Since when have Best Western Members operated System Hotels in the United States?
Best_Western Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
While we began granting membership interests in our nonprofit corporation ("Memberships") and offering licenses for System Hotels under this franchise disclosure document (this "Disclosure Document") for the first time in March 2019, our Members have operated System Hotels in the United States (to include its territories and possessions) since on or about 1946, and in Canada since 1964. We previously granted Memberships and offered licenses for "Sadie" hotels under this Disclosure Document from March 2018 to November 2024. We also previously granted Memberships and offered licenses for "Executive Residency for Best Western" hotels under this Disclosure Document from March 2019 to February 2023, and will begin to grant Memberships and to offer licenses for those hotels again with this Disclosure Document in February 2025. We have licensed the Best Western Identifying Marks to System Hotels outside North America since 1976. These non-North American System Hotels are not Member hotels.
Source: Item 1 — The Franchisor and any Parents, Predecessors, and Affiliates (FDD page 8)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Best Western's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Best Western Members have operated System Hotels in the United States since approximately 1946. This indicates a long-standing presence and established history of the Best Western brand within the U.S. market. The document also specifies that Best Western began granting membership interests and offering licenses for System Hotels under the current franchise disclosure document in March 2019.
This information is relevant for prospective franchisees as it highlights the tenure and experience of existing Best Western members in operating hotels under the brand's system. The fact that members have been operating System Hotels for over seven decades suggests a well-developed operational model and brand recognition. New franchisees can potentially benefit from the collective knowledge and experience of the existing membership base.
It's important to note that while Best Western has a long history, they also introduce new brands and adapt their offerings. For example, they previously offered licenses for "Sadie" hotels from March 2018 to November 2024 and "Executive Residency for Best Western" hotels from March 2019 to February 2023, with plans to offer the latter again in February 2025. This shows that Best Western is continuously evolving and adapting to market demands, which could present both opportunities and challenges for franchisees.