The A&W "Burger Family" is a nostalgic and iconic part of the brand’s history, introduced in 1963 to coincide with their hamburger offerings. A&W, a restaurant chain known for its root beer, decided to expand its menu to include various types of burgers, and in doing so, created a unique set of fiberglass statues representing different burger variants. The first family members included Papa Burger, Mama Burger, Baby Burger, and Teen Burger, each representing a different burger on the menu. These statues quickly became a signature feature of A&W restaurants, particularly at drive-ins, where they were placed prominently outside, often atop roofs or near entrances.Each statue was designed in full colour and made from fiberglass, with the largest, Papa Burger, towering at about 8.5 feet tall. These figures were not just static decor; some were even designed to move or rotate in the wind, which was a playful touch to attract attention from passing drivers. Over time, these statues became deeply intertwined with A&W's branding, much like the mascot of Rooty the Bear, which replaced them in 1974.
Despite the introduction of Rooty the Bear, many A&W locations continued to use the Burger Family figures, as they had become beloved symbols of the brand. However, as A&W moved towards modernizing its image, the statues began to fade from the restaurant scene. By the early 1970s, the company had phased out the use of the Burger Family statues in favour of more streamlined, contemporary mascots.
Even as A&W embraced new characters, the Burger Family statues did not disappear entirely. Many of the fiberglass figures were salvaged by collectors and some still stand proudly in various locations. Today, complete sets of the Burger Family can be found in places like Lodi, California, the birthplace of A&W, where some of the original statues have been preserved and displayed for historical significance.
Other examples of these statues can still be seen across America, often in private collections or as part of roadside attractions, symbolizing a cherished era of 1960s Americana.
In addition to their charm, these statues have gained cultural and historical value. A growing interest in mid-20th-century Americana and kitsch has led some locations to preserve the statues, sometimes even turning them into local landmarks. For example, in Hillsboro, Oregon, the Burger Family statues were recognized as a "cultural resource" and are displayed with pride.
The Burger Family’s legacy lives on as a representation of A&W’s drive-in era, encapsulating the spirit of a bygone time when roadside eateries and colourful mascots created an inviting and whimsical atmosphere for customers. While the statues' popularity waned with the passing years, they continue to hold a special place in the hearts of those nostalgic for the era of giant fiberglass figures and classic drive-in meals.
Source: Some or all of the content was generated using an AI language model
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