Stewart’s Root Beer is Coming to Fort Lauderdale

There’s good news for those of us who fondly remember grabbing a hot dog and an ice-cold Stewart’s root beer (or root beer float, take your choice) at your neighborhood drive-in. Later this year, Stewart’s Restaurant will open its first Florida location, at The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale.

“We look forward to the addition of Stewart’s, which will complement our existing dining selection,” said Mark Trouba, general manager at The Galleria.

In addition to hot dogs, Stewart’s, which will be located in the mall’s Palm Court Market, will offer burgers, salads, sandwiches, wraps, shakes and its signature root beer and root beer floats.

Stewart’s currently has more than 30 locations in five states. Most are in New Jersey, but there are also restaurants in New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

Stewart’s was founded in 1924 by teacher Frank Stewart, who opened a restaurant in Mansfield, Ohio to supplement his teacher’s salary. He worked with a chemist to blend 20 different extracts of roots, herbs and berries in an attempt to create the world’s best-tasting root beer.

Did they succeed? Soon, South Floridians will be able to judge for themselves.