Rodeway Inn
| Company type | Franchise |
|---|---|
| Industry | Hospitality |
| Founded | 1962 in Phoenix, Arizona, United States |
| Founder | Michael Robinson |
| Headquarters | United States |
Area served | United States, Canada |
| Parent | Choice Hotels International |
Rodeway Inn is a hospitality chain with operations throughout the United States and Canada. Originating in 1962 through the efforts of Michael Robinson, it currently functions as a franchise under the umbrella of Choice Hotels International. As reported on December 31, 2024, Rodeway Inn encompasses 456 properties, offering nearly 25,458 guest rooms across North America.
History
The inception of Rodeway Inn dates back to 1962 in Phoenix, Arizona, when Michael Robinson and his son-in-law Joe Simmons launched the brand initially named Rodeway Inns of America. In 1971, the Dallas-based Vantage Company acquired the chain.
By 1973, the network expanded to 136 locations predominantly situated in the Mid-South and Southwestern regions of the United States. During the early 1970s, Prudential Life Insurance collaborated with Rodeway to provide financing for hotels owned directly by the company. Nonetheless, by 1976, Rodeway transitioned entirely to a franchising business model.
In 1985, ownership transferred to the British Ladbroke Group; however, just two years later, Ramada Inns took control of the brand. Following multiple changes in proprietorship, Choice Hotels International purchased Rodeway Inn in 1990 alongside Econo Lodge and Friendship Inn. The Friendship Inn brand was consolidated into Rodeway Inn and Econo Lodge in 1997.
Between 1990 and 2005, franchisees were charged fees calculated as a percentage of their revenue. In 2005, under the leadership of Division President Kevin Bradt, Rodeway revised its fee approach to a fixed annual charge per room to encourage franchise growth.