America's Best Franchising Grows 30% in 2009
January 07, 2010 - Despite the tough economy of 2009, Atlanta-based America's Best Franchising Incorporated laid the groundwork for a solid future with the sale and opening of 40 new franchises.
The company now operates 251 properties, with a total of 16,700 rooms, under its four upper economy hotel brands - America's Best Inns & Suites, Budgetel Inns & Suites, Country Hearth Inns & Suites, and Vagabond Inn & Suites - plus its upscale 3 Palms brand for independent and condominium hotels.
During 2009, the company grew by 30% in properties under operation, including the addition of Vagabond properties through a long-term licensing agreement signed in August with Los Angeles-based Vagabond Franchise System, Inc.
“Hoteliers, like most business people, found it difficult to be optimistic last year, but our company remains focused on delivering value for our franchisees,” said Doug Collins, chief executive officer of America's Best Franchising. “We have strategies and programs in place to help our owners win, no matter what happens - plans that are working for existing properties and are clearly attracting new operators.”
According to Collins, America's Best Franchising expects to sell and open 45 to 55 properties during 2010, which would represent an annual growth rate of 18 to 22%. Seven properties with 480 rooms are currently scheduled to open in the first quarter, which is traditionally a slow period for the hospitality industry.
“In these unfamiliar times, we're doing the things that we're familiar with - namely, offering franchisees a strong entrepreneurial opportunity and offering travelers quality accommodations at a great price,” added Collins.
“The hotel business is historically complex and cyclical, but we have confidence in our industry and in our country - both short-term and long-term.”
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