Established
1983
Franchise Units
32
Minimum Investment
$58,000
Franchise Fee
$20,000
Total Investment Range
$6,531,000
Home Based
No
Description
Country Hearth Inn & Suites stands as a prominent name in the U.S. budget hospitality sector, offering affordable, clean, and comfortable accommodations to travelers nationwide. As part of the Stay Inns family, the brand has established a reputation for providing quality lodging experiences without the premium price tag. With a focus on guest satisfaction and operational efficiency, Country Hearth Inn & Suites presents a compelling franchise opportunity for investors seeking to enter the hospitality industry.
Why Invest in this Franchise?
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Established Brand Recognition: Benefit from the trust and recognition associated with the Country Hearth Inn & Suites name, which has been serving guests since 1983.
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Proven Business Model: Leverage a business model that emphasizes operational efficiency, cost-effective solutions, and a strong value proposition to guests.
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Comprehensive Support: Receive extensive training and ongoing support in areas such as operations, marketing, and management, ensuring franchisee success.
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Flexible Investment Options: With a range of investment levels, potential franchisees can choose an option that aligns with their financial capabilities.
Background
Established Year:
Country Hearth Inn was originally founded in 1983 in Angleton, Texas, under the name Homeplace Inn. The brand was created with a vision to provide affordable, clean, and comfortable lodging options for travelers, without the high price tag of premium hotels. Over the years, the brand evolved into Country Hearth Inn & Suites, expanding its footprint across the United States.
Franchise Units:
As of the latest available data, Country Hearth Inn operates approximately 32 franchised units throughout the U.S., offering consistent lodging experiences in various states. The franchise model allows investors to enter the hospitality industry with a proven operational framework.
Founders and Ownership:
The original founders were a group of hospitality professionals dedicated to creating budget-friendly hotels that emphasized guest satisfaction. Today, Country Hearth Inn & Suites is owned by Stay Inns, a parent company that manages multiple economy hotel brands across the country, providing centralized support and brand management.
Brand Journey & Company History:
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1983: Homeplace Inn established in Texas, focusing on budget accommodations.
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Late 1980s – 1990s: Expansion through franchising began; brand rebranded as Country Hearth Inn.
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2000s: Integration of modern amenities, standardized operations, and marketing support for franchisees.
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Present: The brand has grown into a recognized budget hospitality chain, known for consistent quality, clean rooms, and friendly service, catering to both business and leisure travelers.
Market Presence in the USA:
Country Hearth Inn & Suites has a presence in key markets across the U.S., including urban, suburban, and highway-adjacent locations. Its properties are strategically located to serve road travelers, families, and business visitors seeking affordable accommodations without sacrificing comfort.
Industry Category:
Country Hearth Inn falls under the budget/economy hotel industry, which continues to grow due to demand from travelers seeking cost-effective lodging options in competitive markets.
Other Information:
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The brand emphasizes a friendly, home-like experience with services like complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and clean, comfortable rooms.
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Franchisees benefit from a tested operational model, allowing them to focus on guest service while leveraging corporate support.
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Country Hearth Inn has maintained steady growth, appealing to investors looking for a low-risk entry into the hospitality sector.
Support Training
Country Hearth Inn & Suites offers comprehensive support and training programs designed to ensure the success of its franchisees. The brand understands that entering the hospitality industry requires both operational know-how and ongoing guidance, and it provides a structured framework to help franchisees achieve optimal results.
1. Pre-Launch Support
Before opening a new franchise location, Country Hearth Inn provides extensive assistance in the planning and setup stages, including:
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Site Selection: Guidance on selecting the best location based on traffic, market demand, visibility, and local competition.
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Design & Construction Support: Assistance with property design, layout, and renovation to meet brand standards.
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Permits & Licensing: Support in navigating local regulations, permits, and approvals required to operate a hotel.
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Pre-Opening Planning: Help with staffing plans, budgeting, and operational setup to ensure a smooth launch.
2. Operational Training
Franchisees receive hands-on operational training to run the business efficiently:
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Hotel Operations: Training in day-to-day hotel management, including front desk operations, housekeeping, maintenance, and guest services.
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Management Practices: Guidance on staff recruitment, scheduling, performance monitoring, and conflict resolution.
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Quality Standards: Instruction on maintaining brand consistency, cleanliness, and service excellence.
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Technology & Systems: Training on the reservation system, property management software, and reporting tools to streamline operations.
3. Marketing & Sales Support
Country Hearth Inn helps franchisees attract and retain guests through proven marketing strategies:
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National Brand Marketing: Access to national campaigns, digital advertising, and promotional initiatives.
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Local Marketing Guidance: Support in developing area-specific marketing plans, social media presence, and partnerships to increase bookings.
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Booking & Revenue Tools: Assistance with optimizing online presence, channel management, and revenue strategies to maximize occupancy rates.
4. Ongoing Support
The support does not end at launch; franchisees continue to receive:
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Field Visits: Regular visits from regional representatives to review operations, identify areas of improvement, and offer guidance.
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Operational Updates: Continuous updates on industry trends, new technology, and best practices.
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Performance Monitoring: Assistance in analyzing key metrics such as occupancy, revenue per room, and guest satisfaction to drive improvements.
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Networking & Collaboration: Opportunities to participate in franchisee meetings, workshops, and conferences for shared learning.
5. Additional Assistance
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Training Manuals & Resources: Comprehensive operational manuals, marketing toolkits, and instructional materials.
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Ongoing Consultation: Access to expert advice on property management, renovations, cost control, and scaling the business.
Summary:
Country Hearth Inn ensures franchisees are well-prepared from pre-launch to long-term operations. The combination of hands-on training, marketing support, and continuous guidance provides a low-risk, high-confidence pathway for franchise success in the hospitality sector.
Ideal Candidate
Investing in a Country Hearth Inn & Suites franchise is best suited for individuals or groups who are passionate about hospitality, committed to quality service, and motivated to build a profitable business. The brand’s support system, operational framework, and market presence are designed to complement franchisees who meet the following profile:
1. Business Background
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Hospitality Experience: While prior experience in hotel management or the hospitality sector is advantageous, it is not mandatory. Country Hearth Inn provides comprehensive training to prepare franchisees for success.
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Management Skills: Strong organizational and leadership skills are valuable for managing staff, operations, and guest relations.
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Entrepreneurial Mindset: Franchisees should be proactive, goal-oriented, and able to make strategic decisions to grow the business.
2. Passion & Commitment
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Customer Service Focus: A genuine interest in providing exceptional guest experiences and maintaining brand standards.
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Dedication to Brand Values: Willingness to uphold the brand’s reputation for clean, affordable, and comfortable lodging.
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Long-Term Vision: Commitment to growing the business over several years, rather than seeking short-term gains.
3. Investment Capability
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Financial Readiness: Ability to meet the initial investment requirements (ranging from $58,000 to $6.5 million depending on location and property size).
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Working Capital: Sufficient capital to cover operational costs during the early stages and manage unforeseen expenses.
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Risk Tolerance: Willingness to invest in a franchise with a proven model while understanding market dynamics and competition.
4. Location & Market Preference
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Strategic Location Selection: Interest in establishing properties in high-traffic areas, such as highways, tourist destinations, suburban corridors, and growing urban centers.
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Community Engagement: Franchisees who are willing to actively participate in local community initiatives to enhance the brand’s presence and loyalty.
5. Personal Attributes
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Leadership & Team Management: Ability to hire, train, and retain reliable staff while fostering a positive workplace culture.
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Operational Discipline: Strong attention to detail to ensure brand standards and service quality are consistently maintained.
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Adaptability: Ability to respond to market changes, guest expectations, and operational challenges effectively.
Summary
The ideal Country Hearth Inn franchisee is a motivated, customer-focused entrepreneur with sufficient financial capacity, operational drive, and a long-term commitment to the hospitality industry. By combining their dedication with the brand’s proven systems and comprehensive support, these franchisees are positioned to maximize revenue, ensure high guest satisfaction, and grow a sustainable business in the budget hotel segment.
Financial Detail
| Category | Estimated Amount (USD) | Details / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $20,000 | One-time fee to acquire franchise rights. |
| Minimum Investment Required | $58,000 | The lowest possible investment for a small property or conversion project. |
| Total Investment | $58,000 – $6,531,000 | Includes construction, renovation, equipment, furniture, and pre-opening costs. Varies by location and property size. |
| Working Capital | $30,000 – $90,000 | Operating expenses for the first few months, including payroll, utilities, and supplies. |
| Royalty Fee | 4% of Gross Revenue | Paid monthly for ongoing use of brand and corporate support. |
| Marketing / Advertising Fee | Varies by property | Franchisees contribute to local promotions; national marketing campaigns may be supported by the franchisor. |
| Infrastructure / Build-out Cost | Varies widely | Depending on location, size, and property condition; includes renovations, furnishings, and signage. |
| Expected ROI | 15–25% (varies by market) | Based on occupancy rates, operational efficiency, and property location. |
| Break-Even Time | 2–4 years | Typical timeline to recover initial investment depending on market conditions. |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Room bookings, vending, laundry services, on-site amenities, event hosting | Franchisees can leverage multiple income sources to maximize profitability. |