HOWARD JOHNSON
Howard Johnson International, Inc. offers franchises for Howard Johnson branded guest lodging facilities that provide overnight accommodations, related services such as complimentary breakfast items, coffee, high-speed internet, swimming pools, fitness rooms, and access to the Wyndham Rewards loyalty program. The brand primarily operates in the economy segment in North America and upper mid-scale to luxury properties internationally, targeting families and leisure travelers. Franchisees operate under the franchisor's system without the franchisor owning or managing any facilities.
Disclaimer: This information was extracted using AI from public Franchise Disclosure Documents and should be independently verified. This is not financial or legal advice. Always review official FDD filings before making investment decisions.
Overview
Financial Requirements
5% royalty + 2% ad fund + $734-$1,050/mo PMS fee
Franchise Stats
Financial Performance
Item 19 Financial Performance
Data Based On: 57 Qualified Chain Facilities (franchised outlets) for the period from January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024, that passed their most recent quality assurance inspection or had yet to receive a quality assurance inspection prior to December 31, 2024, and achieved a 'Comparable Social Review Score'.
Extracted Item 19 Section
How HOWARD JOHNSON Compares to Other Hotels Franchises
Key Insights
- Higher than average SBA loan default rate in Hotels
| Franchise | Investment Range | Franchise Fee | Royalty | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
HOWARD JOHNSON Current | $6.7M - $11.5M | $35K | 5.0% | 139 |
| QUALITY INN | $317K - $2.0M | $45K | 5.3% | 1,621 |
| SUPER 8 | $4.7M - $6.9M | $25K | 5.5% | 1,375 |
| DAYS INN, DAYS HOTEL AND DAYS INN & SUITES | $7.6M - $9.4M | $35K | 5.5% | 1,235 |
| LA QUINTA INN & SUITES | $12.8M - $17.2M | $55K | 5.5% | 884 |
| RED ROOF PLUS AND SUITES | $7.3M - $8.9M | $27K | 5.0% | 584 |
Hotels Average 33 franchises | $8.1M - $18.5M | $46K | 5.2% | - |
* Comparison based on latest FDD filings. Investment ranges from Item 7, fees from Item 5. Showing top 5 of 33 Hotels franchises by location count.
Locations & Growth
Outlet Growth Over Time
Total outlets at end of each year
Geographic Distribution (2024)
Outlets by state across the United States
+28 more states
SBA Loan History
Historical SBA 7(a) loan data for HOWARD JOHNSON franchisees (2010 - 2025)
Loans by Year
* Data sourced from SBA 7(a) FOIA loan records. Default rate calculated from charged-off loans.
Franchisee Contacts
Unlock Franchisee Contact Database
154 franchisee contacts on file. Upgrade to see names, locations, phone numbers, and matched SBA loan data.
Upgrade to Pro$199/year · Cancel anytime
Due Diligence
Litigation (Item 3)
Primarily termination disputes and fee collection matters.
Bankruptcy (Item 4)
No bankruptcy history reported in the FDD.
System Health (Item 20)
Franchise system changes reported in the most recent fiscal year
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to open a HOWARD JOHNSON franchise?
The total initial investment to open a HOWARD JOHNSON franchise ranges from $6,681,950 to $11,539,776. This includes a franchise fee of $35,000. Ongoing royalty fees are 5.0% of gross sales.
How many HOWARD JOHNSON franchise locations are there?
As of the 2025 FDD, HOWARD JOHNSON has 139 franchise locations. The company has been franchising since 1990.
Can you get an SBA loan for a HOWARD JOHNSON franchise?
Yes, SBA loans are available for HOWARD JOHNSON franchises. Historical data shows 75 SBA 7(a) loans have been approved for HOWARD JOHNSON franchisees, with an average loan amount of $2,369,149. The historical default rate is 0.0%.
Is HOWARD JOHNSON a good franchise to buy?
HOWARD JOHNSON shows several positive indicators: established brand with 139+ locations, transparent financial performance data (Item 19), low SBA loan default rate. However, franchise success depends on many factors including location, local market conditions, and owner involvement. We recommend speaking with existing franchisees and consulting with a franchise attorney before making a decision.
Interested in HOWARD JOHNSON?
Talk to a franchise advisor to get personalized guidance and learn if HOWARD JOHNSON is the right fit for you.
Talk to an Advisor