A. Alfred Taubman, a developer of shopping centers and real estate, purchased A&W Restaurants, Inc. in 1982, and a new era for A&W® had begun.

A period of reorganization and planning began. Franchising efforts were halted while a new prototype was being developed, and new menu concepts and management techniques were being implemented. In September 1986, E. Dale Mulder, multiple-unit A&W® franchise owner and former Executive Director of the National A&W Franchise Association was appointed President of the corporation.

Also, by mid-decade, the international division of A&W® restaurants had expanded its operations into 7 Southeast Asian countries.

With Mulder's appointment, franchising had begun again and a steady growth plan implemented. An even stronger emphasis had been placed on serving franchise needs and providing assistance to the operators.