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Restaurant Manager Amanda Wells poses with Rooty. (Image Credit: Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)
Mozza excitement

A&W returns to downtown Prince Albert

Aug 31, 2026 | 3:27 PM

Not even a downpour of rain could dampen the spirits or the appetites in downtown Prince Albert on Monday. 

A little more than two-and-a-half-years after being destroyed by fire, a new and improved A&W location opened at the corner of 11th Street West and First Avenue West. 

There was a long lineup out the door as well as in the drive-thru. Regional director Jeannette Byselaar said the turnout was phenomenal. 

“Before we even opened, we were lined up,” she said, adding she was also aware of the public’s curiosity and impatience. “Even when it burned down, it was: When are you rebuilding? When will it reopen?” 

The new location, while more focused on drive-thru customers, still offers dine-in seating for more than 100 people. There’s also a new family-sized table option, which is essentially two larger tables pushed together. 

“So you can sit down and join anybody who is sitting there and never feel like you’re eating alone,” Byselaar said. 

Jordan Thurber and his wife drove in from the lake to get a Mama Burger and a Bacon & Egger. He recalled going to the restaurant as a child. 

 “When it burned down, it was just so disappointing because this was always a staple,” he said.


(Image Credit: Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)
The Klassic Kruisers car club were invited for Monday's grand opening celebration.
The Klassic Kruisers car club were invited for Monday’s grand opening celebration. (Image Credit: Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Monday’s celebrations included a DJ and an appearance from the Klassic Kruisers car club. President Evan Davis told paNOW it was great to see the new restaurant. 

“Downtown needs some revitalization, and this is probably a good step in the right direction,” he said. 

Commenting on the club being part of the reopening, Davis said drive-ins have always been part of car culture

“And this one specifically, back in the 1960s and 1970s. Before they built the mall, this was the cruise strip right down Central, and back up First, and a root beer at the drive-in. It was a piece of history.” 


(Image Credit: Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell