Plaque.

Birthplace of A&W Root Beer

A small plaque set into a sidewalk marks the site of Roy W. Allen's first roadside root beer stand, which opened on June 20, 1919. He bought his top secret formula from a pharmacist in Arizona, who claimed he had perfected the recipe for root beer. Allen sold the concoction for a nickel a frosty mug, Prohibition boosted sales, and in 1923 he opened his first drive-in (in Sacramento). By 1930 he had nearly 200.

An A&W near the plaque features displays of company memorabilia, and still offers curbside service.

Birthplace of A&W Root Beer

Address:: 13 Pine St., Lodi, CA
Directions:: Downtown. Plaque is set into the sidewalk, next to a fireplug, on the north side of W. Pine St. midway between N. School St. and N. Sacramento St. The restaurant with displays is a half-mile southeast, at 216 E. Lodi Ave.

Nearby Offbeat Places

A&W Burger Family, Lodi, CA - < 1 mi.

50-Foot-Tall Thermometer, Galt, CA - 8 mi.

Pollardville Cowboy Chicken, Lockeford, CA - 7 mi.

In the region:

Mark Twain Frog Cairn, Angels Camp, CA - 40 mi.

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