How many licensed Best Western outlets were at the start of 2022?
Best_Western Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| Outlet Type | Year | Outlets at the Start of Year | Outlets at the End of Year | Net Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed | 2022 | 1,878 | 1,855 | -23 |
| 2023 | 1,855 | 1,801 | -54 | |
| 2024 | 1,801 | 1,768 | -33 | |
| Company Owned | 2022 | 0 | 2 | +2 |
| 2023 | 2 | 2 | 0 | |
| 2024 | 2 | 2 | 0 | |
| Total Outlets | 2022 | 1,878 | 1,857 | -21 |
| 2023 | 1,857 | 1,803 | -54 |
Source: Item 20 — Outlets and Franchisee Information (FDD pages 93–107)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Best Western's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, there were 1,878 licensed Best Western outlets at the start of 2022. This number reflects the total number of Best Western branded hotels operating under a license agreement at the beginning of that year. By the end of 2022, this number decreased to 1,855, representing a net change of -23 outlets.
This data is useful for potential franchisees as it provides a snapshot of the brand's size and stability. A large number of existing outlets can indicate a well-established brand with a proven business model. However, the decrease in the number of licensed outlets during 2022 could signal potential challenges or areas of concern for prospective franchisees. It is important to investigate the reasons behind this decrease, such as terminations, non-renewals, or reacquired locations, to assess the overall health and attractiveness of the franchise system.
It's also worth noting that Best Western also had 0 company-owned outlets at the start of 2022, which increased to 2 by the end of the year. This is a relatively small number compared to the licensed outlets, suggesting that Best Western primarily relies on the franchise model for its expansion. Franchisees should consider the balance between franchised and company-owned locations when evaluating the level of support and potential competition within the system.