'A & W Root Beer to go'-gone

The old A & W Root Beer stand on the west edge of Chinook was a favorite stopping place for farm families, town dwellers and travelers passing through on Highway 2. From 1962 to 1990 it served up root beer, ice cream and grilled delights.

For the majority of the time the stand was open it was owned and operated by the Wanless family. The few years prior to its closing it was leased by Howard Gruszie. The property was then leased by Rainbow Irrigation.

Short history of root beer and A & W

Root beer first made its appearance in the U.S. in 1919. Roy Allen set up a roadside drink stand in Lodi, C...