LEXINGTON, Ky., July 1, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- A&W Restaurants, Inc., America's oldest franchise restaurant brand, announced that for the second consecutive year, participating A&W restaurants in the United States will celebrate National Root Beer Float Day on Wednesday, August 6, by giving away Root Beer Floats and supporting Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP). Patrons will be encouraged to make a donation to WWP, which supports a full range of programs and services for this generation of injured veterans and their families. During the 2013 celebration of National Root Beer Float Day, A&W Restaurants donated more than $100,000 to WWP and hopes to increase this level of giving this year and in years to come.

Kevin Bazner, CEO of A&W Restaurants, noted, "Our founder, Roy Allen, began making root beer to welcome home returning soldiers from World War One. Our commitment to our returning servicemen and women remains high, and I look forward to presenting an even larger donation this year to the Wounded Warrior Project after celebrating the tastiest and most refreshing day of the summer."

Anyone visiting a participating A&W restaurant between 2:00 p.m. and closing time will receive one small Root Beer Float free of charge upon request. In return, guests will be encouraged to make a donation to WWP. Donors will be able to give directly at participating restaurants or online at www.rootbeerfloatday.com.

Over 50,000 servicemen and women have been injured in America's recent military conflicts. In addition to physical wounds, it is estimated as many as 400,000 service members live with the invisible wounds of war including combat-related stress, major depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Another 320,000 are believed to have experienced a traumatic brain injury while on deployment. WWP's 20 programs and services are uniquely structured to nurture the mind and body, and encourage economic empowerment and engagement.

For more details on National Root Beer Float Day, please visit us at www.rootbeerfloatday.com.

About A&W

Founded in 1919 by Roy Allen, A&W is the oldest franchise restaurant company. Allen used a formula purchased from an Arizona pharmacist, which consisted of a unique blend of juices from 16 herbs, spices, barks, and berries. Allen sold the cold, creamy root beer for a nickel a mug on a downtown corner in Lodi, CA. The venue proved so popular that the company expanded to four sites and the concession evolved into a "drive-in." Allen approached employee Frank Wright and the two formed a partnership which became A&W®. Owned by a partnership of franchisees, the company has 1,100 franchise locations in 10 countries and territories.

About Wounded Warrior Project

Wounded Warrior Project is recognizing its ten-year anniversary, reflecting on a decade of service and reaffirming its commitment to serving injured veterans for their lifetime. The mission of Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) is to honor and empower Wounded Warriors. WWP currently serves 50,000 warriors and nearly 7,000 family members through its unique 20 programs and services.  WWP's purpose is to raise awareness and to enlist the public's aid for the needs of injured service members, to help injured servicemen and women aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs. WWP is a national organization headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. To get involved and learn more, visit woundedwarriorproject.org.

Media Contact:

Gregory Pettit 
859-490-0610 
gregory@guthriemayes.com

SOURCE A&W Restaurants, Inc.