It’s happening – according to a report by The Star on January 29, the iconic A&W outlet in PJ is finally ceasing operations and will be demolished for redevelopment projects; and to think we’re almost over the heartbreak of seeing Ampang Park close.
This isn’t the first time we’ve heard news of the place closing down. Initial reports of the outlet’s closure go back to as far as 2014, when it was reported by The Rakyat Post that franchise owner (and landowner) KUB Malaysia Bhd would shut down the restaurant from 2015 to 2018 for the construction of the multi-storey KUB Tower. Those plans were subsequently called off, but in 2016 news surfaced of a redevelopment proposal being lined up for that piece of land. Now, KUB has finally been given the green light for a project that’s touted to include a single block 20-storey office tower; demolition could take place at any time soon.
Having been in operations since 1965 and being the country’s first drive-in fast food joint, this landmark holds special meaning to thousands of PJ folks who fondly remember it for the birthday parties, high school first dates and late-night makan sessions with waffles and root beers served in ice-cold mugs. At the time of writing, the outlet remains open with no clear indication of its permanent closure, so you can still pay one last visit for old times’ sake.
A&W PJ Drive In, 9 Lorong Sultan, PJ (anwmalaysia.com.my/03 7932 4533). Mon-Thu & Sun, 7-2am; Fri-Sat, 24 hours.