A&W Root Beer Family
575 S Haskell Ave, Willcox, AZ 85643
Get there with Google Maps by clicking HERE
Date Visited: Unknown (Believed to be GONE)
Unfortunately, during research to complete this recent update (April 2023), it seems that Carter’s Drive-In, the location of the A&W Root Beer Family is no longer operating. I have no idea where the statues may be. If you know, feel free to email me?
Before there was Ronald McDonald, before there was a Bob’s Big Boy (for you west-coasters), A&W Root Beer introduced a whole family of restaurant “mascots”, The A&W Root Beer Family. They are: Papa Burger, Mama Burger, Teen Burger and Baby Burger (who was not in this collection, unfortunately). Papa Burger and Mama Burger are barely visible at the right side of the photo (better photos follow).
These 3 remaining statues are still at their original location, or at least I think it is. Carter’s was certainly an old A&W Root Beer Stand. The oval sign and the architecture are unmistakable.
Unfortunately, Carter’s was closed the day I visited, a Sunday, so I was unable to talk to the owner to gain any insight on the statues. Perhaps another day, or if you see this and know them… they can comment here and fill us in. I am hoping that this was originally an A&W and those statues are the originals. I would like to know what happened to Baby Burger?
Also, on a personal note, Teen Burger who stands out front actually rotates slowly on his pedestal. At first I thought it might be the wind, but it’s not. He just rotates slowly… left.. then right… then left… well you get the idea. Just seemed eerie to me!!!
This post was originally two separate entries. I returned to this location, since Carter’s was closed on the occasion of my first visit. I have combined the two visits into this single entry.
This place has the hometown feel of restaurants of long ago. People know each other by name and even if you’re a “stranger” like me, you feel right at home immediately. And as a bonus, the food is great. I highly recommend the “Carter Burger.” (I had mine with cheese, mustard and the works… without tomato)
Turns out the “Carters” owned the original A&W Root Beer stand that was at this location. Eventually, A&W disappeared but the Carters continued. It was later sold, but the name has remained. At one time the new menu included pizza that was reportedly “the best,” but because the owner insisted on the best… it was just too expensive to continue.
I asked about the missing “Baby Burger.” She is the fourth statue that made up the original A&W “family”. I was told that “Baby Burger” was stolen!!! way back in the 70’s and never found again. In the foreground of this photo, you can see the empty post “Baby Burger” lived!
At one time, there were talks to purchase a replacement “Baby Burger” by the employees (not sure if the owner was involved). A man “from New Mexico” came through town and offered that he had a “Baby Burger” for sale but had to check with his wife first… end of contact… 🙁
So… if by chance… you’re reading this and know of a “Baby Burger” let us know and we’ll put the two of ya together… I hate to see a family devastated by the agony of separation!
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Thanks again!
Joe
