What was the total net change in Best Western outlets during 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 |
| Company Owned | 2022 | 0 | 2 | +2 |
| Total Outlets | 2022 | 1,878 | 1,857 | -21 |
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 outlets during 2022 was -21. This means that the Best Western system experienced a net decrease of 21 locations during that year. This number is calculated from a starting point of 1,878 outlets at the beginning of 2022, which decreased to 1,857 outlets by the end of the year.
Breaking down the numbers further, the net change is comprised of two categories: licensed outlets and company-owned outlets. Licensed outlets saw a net decrease of 23 locations, while company-owned outlets increased by 2 locations. This indicates that while Best Western added company-owned locations, the number of licensed locations decreased by a larger amount, resulting in the overall net decrease.
For a prospective franchisee, this information is useful for understanding the recent trends in the Best Western system. A net decrease in outlets could be a cause for concern, but it is important to investigate the reasons behind the decrease. It could be due to underperforming locations being closed, or franchisees choosing not to renew their agreements. However, the increase in company-owned stores could signal a strategic shift by Best Western. It is important to consider these factors when evaluating the franchise opportunity.