More HoJos and Knights Inns in 2010

Glen Blake, president and CEO of Full House

OAKVILLE—Recession or no recession, 2009 was a significant growth year for Full House Franchise Systems, franchisors of Howard Johnson and Knights Inns in Canada.

So says Glen Blake, the company’s president and CEO.

“We spent a great deal of time working with franchisees through 2009, offering ongoing service and support, and looking at ways and means of marketing our business—strategic marketing and rates and inventory. We looked at how to be successful in marketing to our own backyard,” Blake told CLN in an interview.

As of mid-April, Full House had 61 Howard Johnsons open, and plans to reach 67 or 68 by end of the year.

“We’ve had interesting responses clear across the country,” said Blake. “We’re continuing to expand in Quebec—there have been some expressions of interest there.”

Renovations are also in full swing. Howard Johnson Niagara Falls Victoria Avenue has almost finished a $1 million renovation, while Howard Johnson Toronto East Warden Ave. is also completing its $1 million makeover. In Swift Current, Saskatchewan, a hotel that rebranded as a Howard Johnson following a change in ownership, is now committed to a $1.2 million facelift.

“We have new brand standards, including a top of bedding program that creates a different sleep experience,” Blake said.

“We’ve retooled our Rise and Dine breakfast to include freshly made waffles.” The new breakfast offerings should be in place by July, and have been quite successful, Blake added. More changes to the breakfast program may be coming with the addition of new items this fall.

The most recent Knight’s Inn property to join the chain was on Wellington Road in south London, Ontario.

“We’re eager to continue our growth in BC, Ontario and Saskatchewan, but we’re looking at all provinces,” said Blake. The number of Canadian Knights Inns stands at 19, and Blake hopes there will be two dozen by the end of 2010.

No Knights Inns traded up and became Howard Johnsons this year, but, said Blake, that is always an option if Howard Johnson is still available in the franchisee’s area.