Established
1987
Franchise Units
30
Minimum Investment
$4,800,000
Franchise Fee
$20,000
Total Investment Range
$8,500,000
Home Based
No
Description
Jameson Inn has long been known as a dependable, comfortable, and value-driven hotel brand built around genuine Southern hospitality. For decades, travellers have chosen Jameson Inn for clean rooms, reliable service, and affordable rates—making it a strong contender in the U.S. mid-scale lodging category. Today, the brand continues to appeal to investors who want an established name, a straightforward operational model, and a steady flow of business and leisure guests.
In a lodging landscape where travellers demand consistency without inflated prices, Jameson Inn delivers exactly what the market wants: essential amenities, efficient operations, and a familiar identity guests trust. Whether in secondary markets, highway corridors, or business-oriented regions, the brand’s footprint aligns with stable demand patterns. For franchisees, this creates an opportunity to enter hospitality without the price tag or complexity of luxury hotels—yet still enjoy strong occupancy potential and clear operational support.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
1. Recognized Mid-Scale Brand
Jameson Inn has held a long-standing presence in the U.S. lodging sector and continues to benefit from strong guest recognition in many markets.
2. High Demand for Affordable Lodging
Mid-scale hotels remain one of the most resilient sectors in hospitality, supported by year-round demand from business travelers, families, and road-trip guests.
3. Operational Efficiency
The brand focuses on essential amenities and standardized procedures that keep costs manageable and make day-to-day operations easier for owners.
4. Strong Support from an Experienced Hospitality Network
The franchise benefits from decades of operating knowledge, systemized training, and brand oversight—reducing guesswork for new franchisees.
5. Scalable Investment Path
Entrepreneurs can start with a single property or expand into multiple units over time to build a long-term lodging portfolio.
Background
Established Year
Jameson Inn originated in 1987 in Georgia as a regional hotel chain built around clean, comfortable, value-priced lodging.
Founders & History
The brand was created by Thomas W. Kitchin and quickly expanded across the Southeastern and Midwestern United States. Over time, it evolved into a recognizable name for dependable mid-scale stays. Through multiple acquisitions within the hospitality sector over the years, the brand has remained active within a larger hotel ownership and franchise network.
Market Presence in the USA
Jameson Inn historically maintained dozens of locations across the country, primarily serving secondary markets and travel corridors. Many franchise directories still list the brand, though some properties have transitioned to other lodging groups, making direct franchisor verification essential for current availability.
Industry Category
Mid-scale hotel segment, select-service lodging, value-driven hospitality.
Franchise Units (Estimated)
Historically, various directories cite an approximate footprint of 30 locations. Exact active franchise numbers may vary based on conversions and rebranding.
Support Training
Jameson Inn offers a complete hospitality training framework designed to guide franchisees through every stage of their hotel’s lifecycle.
Pre-Launch Support
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Site Selection Guidance: Demographic studies, traffic flow analysis, and competitive reviews.
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Design & Construction Standards: Detailed specifications for rooms, signage, exterior design, and public spaces.
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Vendor & Procurement Setup: Access to approved suppliers for furniture, fixtures, linens, cleaning supplies, and operational systems.
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Pre-Opening Hiring Support: Best practices for hiring general managers, front-desk teams, and housekeeping staff.
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Grand-Opening Marketing Plan: Local marketing activation, digital listing setup, and brand launch campaigns.
Operational Training
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Two-Week Initial Training Program: Classroom and onsite instruction covering reservations, PMS systems, housekeeping procedures, guest service, and operational standards.
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Operations Manual: A detailed reference covering daily hotel operations, checklists, safety compliance, and quality assurance.
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Tech System Training: Setup and use of booking engines, reservation systems, guest review platforms, and reporting dashboards.
Marketing & Ongoing Support
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Brand-Level Marketing: Website listings, promotions, and access to broader hospitality network resources.
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Local Digital Marketing Guidance: SEO, local search optimization, social media recommendations, and partnership outreach.
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Field Support Visits: Regular operational audits and performance coaching from brand representatives.
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Continuous Program Updates: Enhanced service guidelines, cost-saving strategies, and product upgrades as needed.
Ideal Candidate
Best-Fit Entrepreneur Traits
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Experience in hospitality, real estate, or service-based businesses is preferred but not mandatory.
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Strong understanding of operational management, staffing, service quality, and budgeting.
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Ability to oversee a team, maintain property standards, and drive occupancy through community engagement.
Mindset & Values
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Passion for guest satisfaction and maintaining clean, consistent rooms.
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Long-term approach toward property ownership and asset growth.
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Dedication to brand compliance and strong operational discipline.
Investment Capability
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Substantial liquid capital required due to hotel development or conversion costs.
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Ability to finance land, construction, or renovation depending on the project type.
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Openness to owning properties in secondary markets, travel corridors, or business hubs where mid-scale hotels thrive.
Personal Attributes
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Hands-on or semi-hands-on involvement.
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Problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills.
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Willingness to follow structured hospitality systems while adding local flair.
Financial Detail
| Financial Category | Amount / Range (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $4,800,000 – $8,500,000 | Varies based on new build vs. conversion, land cost, and renovation scope. |
| Minimum Liquid Capital Required | Approx. $1,100,000+ | Franchisee must show sufficient liquidity to qualify for financing. |
| Net Worth Requirement | $2,000,000 – $3,000,000 (estimated) | Common threshold for mid-scale hotel developments. |
| Franchise Fee | $20,000 – $25,000 | Paid upfront for brand rights and onboarding. |
| Royalty Fee | Approx. 4% of Gross Sales | Ongoing fee based on monthly revenue. |
| Marketing / Advertising Fee | 1% – 2% of Gross Sales (estimated) | Contributes to brand advertising and reservation channels. |
| Construction / Renovation Costs | $2,500,000 – $5,500,000 | Includes structure, guestrooms, lobby, exterior, amenities. |
| FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment) | $700,000 – $1,200,000 | Beds, furnishings, lighting, décor, tech systems. |
| Signage & Branding | $40,000 – $100,000 | Interior & exterior signage, wayfinding, brand elements. |
| Technology & PMS Systems | $50,000 – $150,000 | Property management system, reservation tools, POS tech. |
| Pre-Opening & Training Costs | $25,000 – $50,000 | Staff training, travel, onboarding, manuals. |
| Initial Marketing Launch Budget | $20,000 – $60,000 | Local advertising, digital campaigns, grand opening. |
| Insurance, Licenses & Permits | $30,000 – $100,000 | Depending on location, size, and compliance needs. |
| Working Capital (First 3–6 Months) | $45,000 – $150,000 | Payroll, utilities, supplies during ramp-up period. |
| Break-Even Timeline | 6 months – 24+ months | Dependent on occupancy, ADR, competition, and debt service. |
| Primary Revenue Streams | Room bookings, group bookings, corporate contracts, ancillary services | Core mid-scale hotel revenue model. |