A&W Canada has just introduced its first-ever Smash Burger nationwide marking what the company says is a Canadian quick-service restaurant first. The limited-time burger features hand-smashed grass-fed beef patties, melted cheddar cheese, pickles, onions and a signature sauce served on a toasted brioche bun. Customers will be able to order either a single or double version through restaurants or the A&W mobile app. According to Senior Director of Innovation Karan Suri, the smash burger was designed to combine quality ingredients with the popular smashed-patty cooking style, while CEO Susan Senecal said the launch brings a fun new twist to the brand’s signature burger lineup. In its first quarter that ended in late March 2026, there were 1097 A&W restaurants operating from coast-to-coast and system sales were $402.8-million(Cdn), a 1.5 percent increase over the previous first quarter. The company’s 2026 outlook calls for a total of between 1112 and 1120 A&W restaurants by the end of Fiscal 2026. The quick service chain operates in a range of formats from 350 to 450 square foot food court locations to street front and freestanding locations with drive-thrus in the 1700 to 2500 square foot range.
A&W Food Services of Canada Inc., 300-171 West Esplanade, North Vancouver British Columbia V7M 3K9 (604/988-2141 www.aw.ca)