What does the term 'Brand' refer to in the context of an Americas Best Value Inn franchise?
Americas_Best_Value_Inn Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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References to the "Americas Best Value Inn brand" or "ABVI brand" mean Americas Best Value Inn®, including its brand extensions (for example, Americas Best Value Inn & Suites, and such other brand extensions as we may authorize). "Brand" refers to both the Americas Best Value Inn brand and the Canadas Best Value Inn brand franchised by our affiliate in Canada, franchisees of which are treated comparably, receive the same level of support, pay the same fees, and vote together on certain matters relating to the Brand, as authorized by us.
Prior to our acquisition of the ABVI brand, there were 859 lodging facilities operating in the United States that became affiliated with the ABVI brand through VHGI's membership model, which it offered before VFI, its subsidiary, began offering franchises for hotels under the Marks (defined in Item 13). In September 2016 as part of the acquisition, we assumed the membership agreements for, and began acting as licensor and providing service to, those lodging facilities.
Source: Item 1 — **THE FRANCHISOR AND ANY PARENTS, PREDECESSORS, AND AFFILIATES (FDD pages 7–15)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Americas Best Value Inn Franchise Disclosure Document, the term "Brand" encompasses several elements related to the Americas Best Value Inn and Canadas Best Value Inn franchises. Specifically, "Brand" refers to both the Americas Best Value Inn brand and the Canadas Best Value Inn brand, which is franchised by an affiliate in Canada. The Canadian franchisees receive comparable support and pay the same fees as US franchisees, and they also vote together on certain brand-related matters.
In addition to the brand names themselves, the term "Brand" includes the trademarks or "Marks," access to the reservation service, training programs and materials, and the standards, specifications, and policies for the construction, furnishing, operation, appearance, and service of the hotel. It also includes other elements referenced in the Franchise Agreement, the Brand Standards, the Brand Manual, and other communications from the franchisor to the franchisee.
Furthermore, the definition of "Brand" includes the programs for inspecting the franchisee's hotel and consulting with the franchisee. This comprehensive definition means that when Americas Best Value Inn refers to the "Brand," it is referring to the entire system, including the name, standards, support, and operational guidelines that franchisees must adhere to.