What was the net change in the number of Best Western outlets during the year 2024?
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, the total net change in the number of Best Western outlets during 2024 was -33. This means that the brand experienced a net decrease of 33 total outlets during that year. This number factors in both licensed and company-owned outlets. For licensed outlets, the net change was -33, while company-owned outlets remained at zero net change.
For a prospective franchisee, this information indicates a contraction in the number of Best Western locations. While not necessarily a negative indicator, it is a point to consider when evaluating the brand's overall health and growth trajectory. It would be prudent to investigate the reasons behind this decrease, such as terminations, non-renewals, or other factors that led to the net reduction in outlets.
It's important to note that while the total number of outlets decreased, 31 new licensed outlets were opened during 2024. However, this growth was offset by 5 terminations, 50 non-renewals, and 9 outlets ceasing operations for other reasons. Understanding the balance between new openings and closures can provide a more nuanced view of the franchise system's performance and stability.
Prospective franchisees should inquire about the specific reasons for the outlet closures and non-renewals to assess whether these trends pose a risk to their investment. Analyzing the locations and performance of the closed outlets may also provide insights into potential challenges and opportunities within the Best Western system.