Big name in root beer

Published by Naitik Mehta · March 22, 2026

Stuck on the clue Big name in root beer from the New York Times Mini for March 22, 2026? We have the correct 5-letter answer, including the definition, alternative hints, as well as other answers from the same crossword. Ready to learn more about this clue?

Clue

Big name in root beer (5)

Answer

The answer to Big name in root beer is A&W (5 letters).

Why does A&W fit this clue?

This clue uses a direct definition approach to point to A&W, the well-known root beer brand. A&W is one of the most recognizable names in the root beer industry, founded in 1919 by Roy W. Allen and Frank Wright. The brand is famous for its distinctive frosted mugs and drive-in restaurant concept, where customers would order root beer floats and burgers from their cars. A&W root beer has maintained its position as a major player in the soft drink market for over a century, making it indeed a 'big name' in the root beer category.

What does Big name in root beer mean?

We break down each word in the clue and show its dictionary definition below.

root beer

noun

•a sweet carbonated soft drink flavored with sassafras or sarsaparilla

Where did this clue appear?

This clue appeared as 7-across in the New York Times Mini on March 22, 2026, by Joel Fagliano. See all answers for this puzzle.

NYT Mini — Mar 22, 2026

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What does A&W mean?

proper noun

•a major American fast food restaurant chain and root beer brand, originally founded by Roy W. Allen and Frank Wright (hence A&W)

How to use A&W in a sentence

Here are 3 examples of how to use the word A&W.

•“A&W is a big name in root beer, having been one of America's most popular root beer brands since 1919.”

•“We decided to stop at A&W for lunch and ordered their famous root beer floats.”

•“The A&W restaurant chain is known for its drive-in service and classic American fast food menu.”

Learn about related clues

All clues from the New York Times Mini, Mar 22, 2026 crossword

The New York Times Mini for March 22, 2026 was published by Joel Fagliano and has 10 clues. Curious about all the answers from this crossword puzzle? View all answers here.

Across

1AJost of "Saturday Night Live" (5)6AGerman wine valley whose name rhymes with "wine" (5)7ABig name in root beer (5)8ACommon slot machine symbol (5)9AJames Talarico's state (5)

Down

1DCunning skill (5)2DChicago airport (5)3DOperating system on which Android is partly based (5)4DWorld's most populous country (5)5DSmall salamanders (5)

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Frequently asked questions about Big name in root beer

What is the answer to Big name in root beer?: The answer is A&W (5 letters).
Where did this clue appear?: This clue was last seen in the New York Times Mini on March 22, 2026.
How many letters does the answer to Big name in root beer have?: The answer has 5 letters: A&W.

Author

Naitik Mehta

Co-founder

Naitik is a gaming enthusiast who loves solving daily word games and enjoys the friendly competition from time to time. He is the co-founder of Crossword Chef and enjoys thinking about how to make crossword solving more fun for everyone around the world.