| DALLAS - Nov. 15, 2000 - La Quinta Inns, Inc.�s
new franchising program is taking an aggressive step forward with the unveiling
of new hotel prototypes and the addition of three key franchise sales and
operations executives.
La Quinta formally launched its franchise program
this fall and began the company�s long-term growth through rapid expansion
into new markets.
 The
design of La Quinta�s new prototype complements its existing hotel brands,
La Quinta Inns and La Quinta Inn & Suites. La Quinta will be
offering a new Inn and a new Inn & Suites design, each with interior
corridors and at least 100 rooms, to prospective franchisees. Each
will feature a residential style with architecture and décor reflective
of respective regions. A third prototype building accommodating smaller
hotels is currently being designed.
| Amenities include enhanced
continental breakfast, fitness rooms, guest laundry facilities and business
centers. Although the chain now has properties primarily in the Sunbelt,
the new prototype will be adaptable to all regions within the country,
thus allowing the chain to expand nationally.
�La Quinta is one of the strongest brands in our
segment, with 32 years of experience as an operator and $2.4 billion invested
in our 300 owned and operated hotels,� said Butch Cash, president and CEO
for La Quinta Inns, Inc. �We know these strengths will be the foundation
for one of the nation�s top franchise programs and help meet our goal of
delivering the best possible returns for our guests, employees, franchisees
and shareholders.�
Overseeing the new franchise program is Rajiv
Trivedi, who has been appointed vice president of franchise operations
and Randy Evanchyk and Gary Zodrow, who have been named vice presidents
of franchise development. Trivedi, Evanchyk and Zodrow, with more than
40 years of combined hotel management and franchise experience, will oversee
the sales, development and operations of all franchised properties.
The trio will report to Alan Tallis, executive vice president and chief
development officer for La Quinta Inns, Inc.
Tallis added, �We�ve set the stage for La Quinta�s
growth over the next decade. |
|
History
La Quinta® Inns, Inc. was founded in San Antonio, Texas
in 1968. The first Inn was constructed across the street from Hemisfair
�68, when the World�s Fair was hosted by San Antonio. La Quinta was a pioneer
in designing and building mid-priced hotels primarily for business travelers.
The name �La Quinta,� meaning �the country place,� was selected to reflect
the chain�s Spanish motif.
La Quinta grew steadily through construction of new Inns
throughout the United States, with emphasis in the Southwest. In the mid
1980s, growth shifted from new construction to the purchase of Inns from
competitors.
La Quinta completed a reimaging campaign of all lobbies
and its 30,000 hotel rooms in 1994. Every hotel also underwent extensive
exterior refurbishments, including a fresh decor package, new La Quinta
Inn logo and signage.
In 1996, La Quinta introduced its newest concept, La
Quinta Inn & Suites, which features upscale amenities such as fully-equipped
fitness centers, beautifully landscaped courtyards, heated swimming pools/spas
and three guest room types.
In 1998, La Quinta merged with Meditrust Corporation,
a real estate investment trust. As a result of the merger, La Quinta has
become part of a $7 billion company with diversified holdings in the real
estate, hospitality and healthcare industries.
La Quinta recently relocated its corporate headquarters
to Dallas,Texas, while headquarters for support service departments remain
in San Antonio. The company also maintains regional offices across the
country, and in total employs more than 6,000 people.
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The new prototype will combine the best elements
of our existing hotels. The expertise of Rajiv, Randy and Gary, combined
with a franchisee-friendly program, will expand La Quinta�s market reach
and grow the business through increased distribution.�
Trivedi comes to La Quinta from Cendant Corporation,
where he oversaw franchise services, regional marketing, quality assurance,
guest services, reservations, property openings and training for the Howard
Johnson International brand.
Evanchyk most recently served as director of franchise
sales and development for Red Roof Inns, Inc.
Zodrow has held a variety of franchise management
and consulting positions with companies including Accor Economy Lodging,
Choice Hotels International, HBR Hotel Group, Inc., ConStat, Inc. and Westin
Hotels and Resorts.
Trivedi, Evanchyk and Zodrow are in the process
of developing their teams. According to Tallis, �We expect to have
the preeminent franchise organization in the industry.�
Dallas-based La Quinta Inns, Inc. owns and operates
230 Inns and 70 Inn & Suites in 28 states. La Quinta is the lodging
division of The Meditrust Companies (NYSE:
MT), a real estate investment trust.
Certain matters discussed within this press release
may constitute �forward - looking statements� within the meaning of the
federal securities laws. |
