Press Release wrote
Red Roof Inn Announces Return to its Roots
The economy lodging brand will re-establish its headquarters in Columbus, Ohio
COLUMBUS, OHIO—(November 28, 2007)—Red Roof Inn, an innovative leader in the economy lodging segment, announced today that the company’s headquarters will return to its hometown, Columbus, Ohio. The brand’s new corporate office will be located at 605 South Front Street in Columbus’ historic Brewery District. In addition, the company will maintain its current Columbus training facility located at 121 E. Nationwide Boulevard.
“Red Roof Inn has great history with the City of Columbus,” said Joe Wheeling, CEO for Red Roof Inn. “We were founded here 35 years ago and are excited to return to our roots. Columbus is the perfect market for us—the city is centrally-located to our brand, has a great workforce and an exceptional community.”
Red Roof Inn was incorporated by founder James R. Trueman in 1972 and its first Inn opened in Columbus, Ohio, with a single room rate of $8.50 in 1973. The brand established its first headquarters in the German Village area of Columbus and then later moved to Hilliard, Ohio until Accor North America acquired the brand in 1999. Under Accor’s management, Red Roof Inn moved its base of operations to Accor North America’s headquarters in Carrollton, Texas, a suburb of Dallas. In April 2007, Accor sold Red Roof Inn to Citi’s Global Special Situations Group and Westbridge Hospitality Fund, L.P. for $1.313 billion, prompting Red Roof Inn’s search for a new headquarters.
“Red Roof Inn’s return to Columbus is a great addition to our local economy and a great choice for their future,” said Mayor Michael B. Coleman. “We are excited that Red Roof Inn’s nationally recognized corporate headquarters will call Columbus’ Brewery District home and we welcome the new jobs to the city.”
The City of Columbus, through the Columbus Department of Development, awarded Red Roof Inn a jobs growth incentive equal to 30 percent of the withholding for new employees as an incentive to make Columbus the home for its corporate headquarters. The State of Ohio also awarded the brand incentives for re-establishing its base of operations in Columbus, including a 50 percent Jobs Creation Tax Credit for a five-year term.
The Red Roof Inn headquarters will be comprised of accounting, legal, franchising, construction, training and administrative departments. The brand intends to add an additional 80 employees over the next 18 – 24 months who will occupy the new work space.
“We are pleased to welcome Red Roof Inn as a new corporate tenant at Brewers Yard,” said Doug Godard, senior vice president for CB Richard Ellis and leasing agent for the office property. “Red Roof Inn’s headquarters relocation adds to the excitement and momentum of the vibrant Brewery District.”
Red Roof Inn is considered a leader in economy lodging because of its dedication to guest satisfaction. The brand currently has more than 325 properties nationwide and is working to strategically grow through franchising, acquisitions and new development.
Red Roof Inn plans to occupy its new office space in the first quarter of 2008. For more information on employment opportunities with Red Roof Inn, please visit www.RedRoof.com .
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