US fast-food brand A&W Restaurants is about to return to Singapore after a 14-year absence, with plans to also open in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.

Citing corporate instability and poor sales, A&W closed its five outlets in Singapore in 2003. Now there are plans to open 30 to 40 restaurants a year in the four Asian territories.

CEO Kevin Bazner says the franchise has had an office in Singapore since last year to prepare for the expansion.

He says the company is looking for “real estate for a flagship company restaurant” in Singapore, to be followed by a franchise restaurant in the later half of next year.

A&W, which stands for Allen & Wright, is known for its root beers, burgers and waffles.