1925
300
$1,500,000
$25,000
$5,000,000
No
A Legendary Hospitality Brand with Timeless Appeal
Howard Johnson by Wyndham is one of America’s most recognizable and trusted hotel brands, built on a legacy of comfort, affordability, and hospitality excellence. Established in the 1920s, the brand has evolved from an iconic roadside restaurant chain into a globally recognized hotel franchise under the Wyndham Hotels & Resorts umbrella. Today, Howard Johnson offers franchisees a proven business model backed by the power, reputation, and global reach of Wyndham—one of the world’s largest hospitality companies.
With over 300 hotels across the United States and more than 400 locations worldwide, Howard Johnson continues to embody its promise: delivering dependable stays and exceptional value for both business and leisure travelers. Its classic orange-and-blue identity and welcoming atmosphere make it a favorite among guests seeking comfort and reliability at a competitive price point. For entrepreneurs, it presents a powerful opportunity to join a brand that blends nostalgia with modern hospitality standards.
Why Invest in the Howard Johnson by Wyndham Franchise?
Investing in a Howard Johnson franchise means joining a hospitality icon with nearly a century of consumer trust. The brand’s strong market recognition, backed by Wyndham’s marketing, technology, and reservation systems, makes it a compelling choice for investors seeking stability and long-term growth.
Here’s why entrepreneurs choose Howard Johnson:
Proven Legacy: A trusted American name since 1925, with loyal customers across generations.
Wyndham Network Power: Access to over 95 million Wyndham Rewards members, driving direct bookings and repeat stays.
Scalable Business Model: Flexible hotel designs suited for urban, suburban, and highway markets.
Robust Marketing Support: Benefit from national advertising campaigns and online visibility through Wyndham’s global channels.
Operational Efficiency: Streamlined systems, modern technology integration, and efficient property management tools.
Founded: 1925
Founder: Howard Deering Johnson
Parent Company: Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Headquarters: Parsippany, New Jersey, USA
Franchise Units: 300+ in the USA, 400+ worldwide
Industry: Hospitality, Lodging, Travel & Tourism
The journey of Howard Johnson began when Howard Deering Johnson opened a small soda fountain in Quincy, Massachusetts. His focus on quality products and exceptional service quickly turned it into a regional sensation. By the 1950s and 60s, Howard Johnson had become the largest restaurant chain in the United States and expanded into hotels and motor lodges to serve America’s growing network of travelers.
Now owned and operated under the Wyndham Hotels & Resorts portfolio, the brand continues to thrive in the midscale hotel segment—offering comfortable accommodations, complimentary breakfast, and modern amenities that appeal to today’s travelers. Its enduring reputation and broad recognition make it one of the most bankable names in the U.S. hospitality market.
Wyndham provides comprehensive training and operational support to every Howard Johnson franchisee, ensuring a smooth launch and sustainable business success.
Pre-Opening Support:
Assistance with site selection and market analysis.
Architectural design and construction guidance.
Pre-opening project management and brand compliance training.
Training Programs:
Comprehensive onboarding for owners and key staff.
Access to Wyndham University – an advanced online learning platform.
Training on guest service, revenue management, and operational excellence.
Ongoing Operational Support:
Dedicated regional operations team and franchise consultants.
24/7 access to property management systems and technical support.
Continuous updates on hospitality trends, technology, and brand standards.
Marketing & Sales Support:
Global marketing campaigns under Wyndham’s portfolio.
SEO-optimized digital presence through the Wyndham network.
Integration with top OTAs (Online Travel Agencies) and direct booking engines.
Franchisees benefit from the combined strength of a heritage brand and a powerhouse hospitality network that maximizes visibility and profitability.
Howard Johnson by Wyndham seeks passionate entrepreneurs and hospitality investors who are committed to delivering guest satisfaction and operational excellence.
Ideal Candidates Include:
Experienced hoteliers or investors with a background in lodging or real estate.
Entrepreneurs seeking a turnkey hotel opportunity with strong brand recognition.
Investors with access to financing and a willingness to meet Wyndham’s quality standards.
Multi-unit operators looking to diversify their hospitality portfolio.
Preferred Locations:
High-traffic areas, tourist destinations, interstate highways, suburban business districts, and secondary cities across the USA are ideal for Howard Johnson hotels.
Franchisees should demonstrate leadership, a customer-first mindset, and long-term business vision aligned with Wyndham’s brand philosophy.
| Investment Component | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $1,500,000 – $5,000,000 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital | $350,000 – $500,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $25,000 – $40,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 4.5% – 5.5% of gross room revenue |
| Marketing Fee | 3% of gross room revenue |
| Working Capital | $200,000 – $500,000 |
| Average Unit Size | 60–120 rooms |
| Average Annual Revenue (est.) | $1.2M – $3.5M per property |
| Expected ROI | 10% – 18% annually |
| Break-Even Timeline | Typically 2–4 years |
Revenue Streams:
Room bookings (direct and OTA channels)
Extended-stay guest services
On-site amenities (restaurants, vending, meeting spaces)
Partnerships with travel platforms and Wyndham Rewards
