Yes, as an American when I was driving across Alberta I was absolutely astounded by how many A&Ws there were and how nice they seemed. At least in my corner of the US, A&W has a thorough reputation as a cheap, lame has-been that's usually tandemed with other failed fast food brands. The only one I know of in the state regularly garners comments that "wow, that still exists?" when driving by.

In Canada, on the other hand, it seems to be a major and well-liked brand... As much as I found the slogan "American food" very funny given their reputation here.