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Country Inns & Suites by Carlson

P.O. Box 59159, Carlson Pkwy.
Minneapolis, MN 55459-8203
800#: (800) 456-4000
Tel: (612) 212-2525
Fax: (612) 212-1338
E-Mail: [email protected]
Web Site: www.countryinns.com
Contact: Ms. Nancy Johnson, Sr. VP of Development


COUNTRY INNS & SUITES locations feature traditional architecture and sophisticated residential interior design with hardwood flooring and decorative ceiling borders. Each hotel welcomes guests with traditional funishings that blend rich woods and elegant patterned fabrics. The brand is known for its consistently high-quality accomodations and personal, warm hospitality.


Franchisor Background

Established: 1987; First Franchise: 1987
Franchise Units: 207
Company-Owned Units: 4
Total Units: 211
Distribution: U.S. -- 190; Canada -- 13; International -- 8
> North America -- Operations in 36 States, 6 Provinces
> States/Provinces with Greatest Density: 37 in MN, 21 in WI, 16 in GA
Projected New Units Over Next 12 months: 54
Franchisee Qualifications: 5, 5, 5, 3, 5, 5 (for an explanation click here)
Registered in Following Registration States: All States
Average Number of Employees: 10 FT, 6 PT (FT = Full Time, PT = Part Time)
Space Needs: 65,340 SF; FS (for abbreviations click here)

Financial Requirements

Cash Investment: $780K-1.45MM
Total Investment: $2.8-4.9MM; Average Total Investment: $3850K
Minimum Net Worth: $775K
Fees: Franchise: $40K; Average Franchise Fee: $40K
Royalty: 3-4%
Advertising: 2-3%

Provide Earning Claim Statement: Yes

Terms of Contract

Term of Contract (Years): 15/0
Passive Ownership: Allowed
Encourage Conversions: Yes
Area Development Agreements: No
Sub-Franchising Contracts: No
Expand In Territory: No

Franchisor Support and Training Provided

Financial Assistance: Yes(I) (D = Direct; I = Indirect; B = Both)
Site Selection Assistance: No
Lease Negotiation Assistance: Yes
Cooperative Advertising: Yes
Franchisee Assoc. / Member: No
Size Of Corporate Staff: 41
On-Going Support: B,C,D,E,G,H (for an explanation click here)
Training: 1 Week Minneapolis, MN. (Brand Orientation); 3 Days Opening On-Site; 3 Days New Franchisee

Franchisor's Specific Expansion Plans

U.S.: All United States
Canada: All Canada
Overseas: Europe and Asia

Note: NR = No Response by Franchisor.

For a sample questionnaire click here.