#133
At a Glance
Products & Services: Hotels
Number of Locations: 485
Total Investment: $4.21M - 6.54M
Founded: 1986
Began Franchising: 1987
Private Owned
About Country Inns & Suites By Carlson
In 1987 Curtis Carlson founded Country Inns & Suites, a companion to his family of hotels and restaurants that includes Radisson Hotels and TGI Friday's. The hotels, which are located in metropolitan and rural areas, feature studios and one-bedroom suites that may have refrigerators and microwaves.For business travelers, Country Inns offer breakfast rooms, meeting rooms and lobbies that can be used for meetings. Locations also feature pools, coin-operated laundry facilities and exercise facilities. All guests are given complimentary breakfast, cookies and a morning paper. At each hotel, children under 18 stay free with an adult.
Franchise Units
| Year | U.S. | Canadian | International | Company Owned |
| 2011 | 448 | 10 | 18 | 9 |
| 2010 | 457 | 14 | 16 | 9 |
| 2009 | 418 | 14 | 15 | 4 |
| 2008 | 106 | 14 | 12 | 4 |
Where Seeking Franchisees: Franchisor is seeking new franchise units worldwide.
Startup Costs, Ongoing Fees and Financing
Total Investment: $4,206,100 - $6,542,300
Franchise Fee: $45,000
Ongoing Royalty Fee: 4.5%
Term of Franchise Agreement: 15 years
Franchise Fee: $45,000
Ongoing Royalty Fee: 4.5%
Term of Franchise Agreement: 15 years
How This Franchise Supports Franchisees
Training: Available at headquarters: 1 week. At franchisee's location: 1 week.
Ongoing Support: Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives,
Marketing Support: Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising,
Franchise Ranking History
Fastest-Growing: #59 (2010),