HENDERSONVILLE, TN, (August 16, 2007) � Fresh off the heels of their Dec. 2006 purchase of GuestHouse International, which included the Shoney�s Inn brand, from ShoLodge Inc., Settle Inn & Suites is on the move again.

�The Shoney�s Inn hotel brand is a great brand.  During its initial launch and expansion, it experienced tremendous growth.  Shoney�s is a well known brand with quality properties and reviving a great brand is a no-brainer�, said Tim O�Connor, SVP Brand Management for the company now franchising the Settle Inn & Suites and GuestHouse International lodging brands.  The first Shoney�s Inn was opened in 1976 in Hinesville GA, from where it eventually grew to over 100 hotels at its peak.  

�With the relaunch of the Shoney�s Inn brand, we intend to provide experienced owners with a great brand in the economy sector without the high fees, long-term contracts, and punitive mandates common in today�s franchisee agreements, yet with the power to stand up to the strongest of competitors,� O�Connor said.

Working with the American Association of Franchisees & Dealers (AAFD), Settle Inn & Suites developed a franchise agreement that has been recognized as the most franchisee friendly, not only in the lodging industry, but across all sectors - achieving a near perfect score of 99.3% conformity to the AAFD standards.

�Settle Inn & Suites has demonstrated its commitment to fair franchising, as the cornerstone of its franchise program, by working with the AAFD to get within 1 percent of a perfect score in our grading process,� said Robert Purvin, AAFD Chairman.  �The Settle Inn & Suites agreement truly sets a new standard for franchise agreements, and the AAFD is delighted to welcome Settle Inn & Suites to take its place on our marketplace pedestal for all to see�, said Purvin.

Terry Kline, SVP of Franchise Sales & Development for the company added, �Bottom-line, with Shoney�s Inn, you�ll get a smart experienced franchise partner, an award winning franchise agreement, and some of the lowest fees in the industry, plus we have access to the best markets in America.�  Kline said the Shoney�s Inn brand will be headquartered in Hendersonville, TN with both the Settle Inn & Suites and GuestHouse International brands.

Currently, the company operates over 5700 rooms domestic U.S. with one GuestHouse International property in China.  

About Settle Inn & Suites, GuestHouse International and Shoney�s Inn

Settle Inn & Suites, GuestHouse International and Shoney�s Inn are brands with a simple approach to lodging that focuses on delivering the most important services and amenities to guests at a reasonable rate. Based out of Hendersonville, TN, the company�s brands focus on what guests really want: clean, comfortable accommodations, friendly helpful staff, time-saving amenities, and consistently great rates. Most properties feature indoor swimming pools, free expanded breakfast (with hot waffles) and free wireless internet access. To learn more, please contact Tim O�Connor at 920-830-3673, or log onto www.friendlyfranchising.com.   

130 Maple Drive North
Hendersonville, TN 37075
[email protected]