Outlet offers nostalgic ambiance
- nabalunews
- Oct 3, 2025
- 2 min read
3 October 2025
PAPAR: A&W has reintroduced the nostalgic drive-in dining concept to Sabah with the opening of its latest standalone outlet at Parklane City Benoni, which also features a drive-thru.
The outlet marks another milestone in the brand’s expansion plan and offers Sabahans a taste of retro dining with a modern twist.
“This store is in a prime location, surrounded by banks, a cinema, commercial hubs, and housing estates,” said WSG Group Managing Director Datuk Susan Wong Siew Guen at the launch ceremony.
She expressed confidence that the new outlet would perform strongly, given A&W’s enduring appeal with its freshly brewed root beer, iconic Coney Dogs, and curly fries.
A&W Malaysia Chief Executive Officer Charles Chen said the restaurant was designed as a family-friendly space.
“The interior provides a spacious and relaxing atmosphere, complete with a children’s playground for families. We also have a party room for celebrations. One of our customers in Kuala Lumpur even marked her 85th birthday with us,” he said.
The outlet accommodates about 120 diners and introduces the drive-in concept for the first time in Sabah, allowing customers to enjoy their meals in the comfort of their cars, with four dedicated bays provided.
“Drive-in dining is a very old concept but a new experience for Sabah. We first introduced it in Petaling Jaya in the 1960s before the drive-thru became more popular for faster service,” Chen explained.
Although the drive-in concept later faded in West Malaysia, Chen said A&W was now reviving it in Sabah to rekindle the charm of the brand’s early days.
He also highlighted the outlet’s strong business prospects, noting its strategic location and the upcoming completion of the Pan Borneo Highway.
“After long hours on the road, travellers will be looking for a comfortable place to rest and eat. This outlet is well-placed to serve that need,” he said.
The restaurant has created more than 20 new jobs, with most crew members hired from Papar as part of A&W’s commitment to supporting the local community.
This is A&W’s fourth outlet in Sabah, all located in the greater Kota Kinabalu area.
As part of its corporate social responsibility efforts and in collaboration with WSG Group, 15 children from Caring for the Future (Malaysia) Bhd were invited to join the launch event.
Love the nostalgic drive-in vibe at the new A&W outlet it's a perfect blend of retro charm and modern convenience! Just like this revival brings back classics with a fresh twist, businesses can achieve the Data-Backed ROI of App Modernization by updating legacy systems for efficiency and growth.
The nostalgic charm described in this piece really resonated with me. I love places that preserve a sense of history and warmth — they make every visit feel more personal and meaningful. That’s one of the reasons I pay attention not just to atmosphere, but to the small design details that shape the experience. Even something as simple as restaurant menu covers can add to that sense of nostalgia. A beautifully crafted cover made from quality materials can instantly set the mood before guests even read the menu. It’s amazing how design and ambiance work together to tell a story without saying a word.