�We have made the successful transition to the Baymont brand name over the past two years, and it is now time to move to the next level,� said James Abrahamson, Baymont Inns, Inc. president and chief operating officer. 
 

Abrahamson said the brand will continue its planned migration from the economy segment to the mid-market segment.  �Our goal is to be best in class in the mid-market segment, and we are taking bold initiatives to achieve that goal.�

He noted that the brand�s growth strategy will be to focus on the customer, adhere to strict quality and consistency standards, provide exceptional service to guests and franchisees and create value for guests.  �Over the next 12 months, we will launch a number of innovative  programs�ranging from new, highly distinguishable amenities to a new, competitive frequent guest program�that will further separate Baymont from its peer group,� he said.  

Abrahamson said that the brand has aggressive plans to expand nationwide.  Baymont Inns & Suites added 11 new properties to the system in the past 12 months and has 30 under development.  �Our goal is to move from our current size of 174  properties to 500 hotels open or under development within five years,� Abrahamson said.  �We will add properties in existing locations, while providing adequate areas of protection for our current franchisees� properties, and expand into new parts of the country, particularly the West Coast and in New England, where one of our franchisees just opened a highly successful Baymont in the Boston metro market.  We expect to open our 200th property sometime in late 2001.�

Baymont also will aggressively step up its consumer marketing efforts, according to Norman Cavin, Baymont�s senior vice president of marketing and sales.  �We are completing extensive consumer research and testing new amenities and innovations and will soon enhance our product to respond to changing consumer preferences.�

Cavin said that Baymont will use a multi-media approach to marketing in 2001, anchored by a new national advertising program.  He pointed out that the company will expand its national sales team to broaden the brand�s efforts in the corporate, travel agent, government, group and leisure travel markets.  A cornerstone will be the launch of a new frequent guest program in the first quarter of 2001.  The company also will step up its e-commerce capabilities, implementing seamless connectivity, a two-way reservation program and an enhanced Web site.

New brand initiatives will make Baymont �easy to do business with,� said Daniel Daniele, president of Baymont Franchises International, Inc.  �Our focus will be on the five �B�s�: business work environment within the room, the bath, bed, breakfast and benefits.  In the coming 12 months, we will launch a number of unique initiatives that will truly set Baymont apart for both the mid-market franchise community and for business and leisure travelers. 
 
Daniele noted that the brand is gaining substantial momentum in the franchise community.  �We are continuing with our ongoing property re-imaging program, which will be completed systemwide by 2003.  At that time, all of our properties will be in �like-new� condition, giving us a much stronger position in the marketplace.  We believe our upgrades and new product initiatives will help us attract new customers and enhance the brand�s ability to increase occupancy and rate.  We are confident that Baymont now is one of the most attractive franchise opportunities in the mid-market, casual luxury, limited-service segment.�

Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., Baymont Inns & Suites is owned, operated and franchised by the Milwaukee-based Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS), which comprises four divisions:  limited-service lodging, hotels/resorts, movie theaters and restaurants.  In addition to the more than 170 Baymont Inns & Suites, The Marcus Corporation operates seven Woodfield Suites in Illinois, Wisconsin, Colorado, Ohio and Texas, and operates hotels and/or resorts in Wisconsin, California, Minnesota and  Missouri.  

Certain matters discussed in this press release are "forward-looking statements" intended to qualify for the safe harbors from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.