What is Hygge? And Why Does it Belong at A&W?

Hello, A&W IGH family and friends! Can you feel it? That crisp, cool air, the stunning colors of the changing leaves, and the urge to swap your flip-flops for cozy sweaters? Fall is officially here, and with it comes the perfect season for embracing warmth, comfort, and togetherness—what the Danes call Hygge!

What is Hygge? And Why Does it Belong at A&W?

Hygge (pronounced hoo-gah) is more than just a word; it’s a lifestyle philosophy. It's about finding joy in the simple, cozy things in life and appreciating moments with those you care about. Think soft lighting, a warm blanket, a good conversation, and, of course, delicious comfort food.

At A&W Inver Grove Heights, our indoor dining room and welcoming atmosphere are ready to be your Hy☕ Sip Something Warm: Cozy up with a hot chocolate or coffee after a chilly hygge haven this season. It's the perfect spot to:

• day of apple picking or raking leaves.

  
  

• 🍔 Enjoy Comfort Food Classics: Nothing says cozy like our juicy Papa Burger, crispy Cheese Curds, or a steaming hot Chili Dog.

  
  

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Gather & Connect: Turn off the screens and share a laugh over a basket of Onion Rings with your family and friends. Forget the fuss of cooking—we'll handle the warmth, flavor, and cleanup!

Your Thanksgiving Gathering Headquarters

The beautiful concept of Hygge leads us right into one of the coziest holidays of the year: Thanksgiving!

While your main feast might be at home, we invite you to make A&W IGH a part of your holiday tradition:

• The Day Before: Need a break from all that prep? Stop by for a quick and satisfying dinner the night before Thanksgiving. We’ll fuel you up for the big day!

  
  

• A Post-Feast Treat: After all the turkey and pie, there’s always room for a classic. Swing by for a legendary, made-fresh A&W Root Beer Float to top off the holiday weekend. It's a sweet, nostalgic way to extend the feeling of family and cheer.

🎄 From Cozy Fall to Christmas Cheer!

As the days get shorter, our warm welcome only gets brighter! Hygge seamlessly blends into the Christmas season, a time for even more light, warmth, and shared experiences.

Keep us in mind as the calendar flips:

• Holiday Shopping Fuel: Stop in for a break and a delicious meal between checking off your gift list.

  
  

• A Venue for Merriment: Planning a small holiday get-together for friends, neighbors, or co-workers? Our inviting dining room is the perfect, easy spot to celebrate.

  
  

• Drive-Thru Delight: When the snow flies and the schedule gets hectic, our convenient drive-thru is always ready to serve up your favorite comfort foods—fast and fresh.

  
  

This season, don't just survive the cold; embrace the cozy! We can’t wait to welcome you, your family, and your friends to A&W Inver Grove Heights to share in the magic of fall, the joy of Thanksgiving, and the festive cheer of the holidays.

Come make some warm memories with us!

A&W Poem for Dr. Seuss Day, March 2nd, 2024

In the heart of Inver Grove, where Ginkgo and Ash,

A&W stands proud, like a culinary bash.

Root beer floats fizz, and burgers stand tall,

In this Minnesotan haven, where joy never falls.

Under the Ginkgo, a majestic tree,

And many Ash Trees, standing so free.

Their leaves aflutter, in the summer breeze,

As A&W beckons with burgers that please.

Papa Burgers, a tale to be told,

A secret sauce, more precious than gold.

Grilled to perfection, with onions so sweet,

Under the Ginkgo's shade, where moments meet.

Bacon Double-Cheeseburgers, a tower so high,

With layers of flavor, reaching the sky.

Crispy bacon, and cheese so divine,

Under the Ash Trees, where memories entwine.

Cheese curds, golden and crisp,

A symphony of crunch, a delightful wisp.

Fried to perfection, in A&W's domain,

Underneath the Ginkgo, where joy reigns.

Chicken tenders, a crispy delight,

Golden and tender, a true summer night.

Dip them in sauce, or eat them with glee,

Under the Ash Trees, where happiness is the key.

The summer patio, a vision so grand,

With tables and chairs, where families stand.

Root beer floats sipped in the warm sun,

Under the Ginkgo, where laughter is spun.

Thursday Cruise Nights, a spectacle to see,

Classic cars shining, in the evening glee.

Under the Ash Trees, they park in a line,

In the heart of Inver Grove, where memories entwine.

Ice cream cones, a dollar forty-nine,

A swirl of sweetness, a taste so fine.

Vanilla flavor, with a mix of delight,

Under the Ginkgo, where everything's just right.

Imagine the scene, as the sun starts to set,

Root beer floats in hand, with no regret.

Papa Burgers savored, Cheese curds shared with delight,

Under the Ash Trees, in the soft evening light.

On the summer patio, stories unfold,

As memories are made, and happiness is bold.

Thursday Cruise Nights, with classic cars gleaming,

Under the Ginkgo and Ash Trees, where dreams are streaming.

The Ginkgo Tree, a guardian so wise,

And the Ash Trees, standing tall with pride.

Root beer flows, and burgers are grand,

In this Minnesotan haven, where dreams expand.

So here's to Inver Grove, where A&W stands,

Under the Ginkgo and Ash Trees, making grand plans.

Root beer floats, and burgers so sweet,

In this Minnesota paradise, where joy and flavors meet.

How A&W got its Name

A&W, the iconic American fast-food chain, owes its name to its founders, Roy Allen and Frank Wright. In 1919, Allen opened a root beer stand in Lodi, California. A few years later, he partnered with Wright, and together they formed the brand A&W, combining their initials.

The "A" stands for Allen, while the "W" represents Wright. Root beer quickly became the cornerstone of their business, and by 1921, they franchised their first outlet. A&W gained popularity not only for its refreshing root beer but also for pioneering the concept of the drive-in restaurant, where customers could enjoy meals in the comfort of their cars.

Over the years, A&W expanded its menu to include burgers, hot dogs, and other fast-food staples. The name A&W has become synonymous with a blend of classic Americana and delicious comfort food, tracing its roots back to the partnership of Allen and Wright and their shared commitment to quality and innovation.