America's Best Sells 25 Franchises in Q2 '09
JULY 7, 2009 - While the downturn continues to affect the hospitality industry, hoteliers are becoming increasingly upbeat and investing in the opportunities that lie ahead. Certainly that's the case with the four hotel brands operated by America's Best Franchising Incorporated as during the second quarter of 2009 the company sold 12 new franchises totaling 907 rooms and opened 11 new properties totaling 925 rooms.
Combined with its performance during the first quarter, America's Best has achieved solid first half results for 2009 of 25 new franchises sold totaling 1,859 rooms and 21 new properties opened totaling 1,577 rooms.
This represents a growth of 13% in properties under operation since the start of the year - which is well on the way to the company's targeted annual growth rate of 20 to 30% based on the goal of selling and opening 40 to 60 properties during 2009.
"Entrepreneurs are the real economic stimulus of this country - and they realize that they must create their own momentum by investing in themselves," said Doug Collins, chairman and CEO of Atlanta-based America's Best Franchising Incorporated.
"Hotel owners are looking for value - lower risk without lower return - and they're finding it with our brands, both for the near and the long term."
America's Best operates three upper economy brands - Country Hearth Inns & Suites, America's Best Inns & Suites, and Budgetel Inns & Suites - plus the upscale 3 Palms brand for independent and condominium hotels.
"In today's unsettled times, our franchisees can be confident of receiving reliable support services that add value for their guests and for their property, that provide a distinctive edge over the competition, and that lay a strong foundation for success," added Collins.
"History shows that successful companies, small and large, often get a jump start in a faltering economy. In fact, the last two recessions saw more businesses open than close - and we at America's Best are seeing that again."
America's Best Franchising Incorporated operates approximately 225 hotel properties under its four brands.
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