America's Best Goes Nationwide

With Addition of Vagabond

• 
  SAVE
• 
  SHARE
• 
  TEXT SIZE
• 
  PRINT
• 
  COMMENT
• 
  PDF

. August 05, 2009

AUGUST 5, 2009 - Atlanta-based America's Best Franchising Inc. and Los Angeles-based Vagabond Franchise System Inc. have signed a long-term licensing agreement which makes America's Best the exclusive management firm for the "Vagabond Inn" and "Vagabond Inn Executive" hotel brands, effective August 1st, 2009.

In the process, America's Best assumes management responsibility for 43 existing Vagabond properties that range in size from 25 to 200 guest rooms in California plus one property of 99 rooms in Nevada.

"With this agreement, our company becomes truly national in serving both hotel owners and travelers from coast to coast," said Doug Collins, Chairman and CEO of America's Best Franchising whose properties until now have been located mostly in states east of the Mississippi River.

Added Collins, "Vagabond is a strong, established brand and a well-managed company with a rich history that we look forward to taking to new levels of growth and excellence that will meaningfully benefit both Vagabond franchisees and our existing franchisees."

Since its start in 1993, America's Best has developed a solid network of approximately 225 hotel properties under three upper economy brands - "Country Hearth," "Budgetel," and "America's Best" - plus the upscale "3 Palms" brand for independent and condo hotels.

"America's Best provides proven expertise and experience - including personnel, infrastructure, and depth of resources - that will immediately benefit our existing and future franchisees," according to Juan Llaca, Chairman of Vagabond Franchise Systems, which was founded in 1958.

As part of the agreement, Llaca and his management team - including President Les Biggins and Vice President Chuck Valentino - will be available to ensure an orderly transition and the ongoing prosperity of the Vagabond chain. Members of the current ownership group will remain the brand's largest franchisees. Also continuing is Vagabond's relationship with "OneTech Solution," an integrated reservations and property management system which has delivered strong results over the past five years, averaging a 28% reservations contribution.

The multi-year licensing agreement between America's Best and Vagabond is the latest step in a targeted expansion by America's Best which includes launch of the upscale "3 Palms" brand in April of 2008 and acquisition of the "Budgetel" brand under license agreement in November of 2008.

During the first six months of this year, the company sold 25 new franchises totaling 1,859 rooms and opened 21 new properties totaling 1,577 rooms.

Amenities at a typical Vagabond Inn include complimentary Continental breakfast, incoming fax documents, local telephone calls, high speed internet, and weekday newspaper.

Additional amenities at Vagabond Inn Executive properties include expanded complimentary breakfast, exercise facilities, and a business center, plus business-friendly guest rooms feature data ports, large work areas, and ergonomic chairs.