Cobblestone Inn & Suites

Cobblestone Inn & Suites requires a substantial investment starting at $5.37 million, positioning it in the premium hotel franchise tier. This investment level is typical for full-service hotel properties, encompassing land acquisition, construction, furnishing, and pre-opening expenses. The lodging sector demands significant liquid capital and net worth requirements, often requiring investors to secure SBA loans or institutional financing.

The hotels and resorts sub-sector represents a mature market with established demand drivers including business travel and leisure tourism. However, the reported gross revenue of $163,705 appears notably below sub-sector benchmarks, which may reflect reporting methodology differences or operational variations that require careful FDD review.

Established in 2007 with 119 units, Cobblestone demonstrates moderate system maturity and steady expansion over 17 years. The brand positions itself in the upper-midscale segment, targeting markets underserved by major chains with their "Big City Quality, Small Town Values" approach.

Key investment considerations include the capital-intensive nature of hotel operations, ongoing property maintenance requirements, and sensitivity to economic cycles. The franchise model offers territorial protection and brand recognition benefits, though success heavily depends on location selection and local market dynamics.

Ideal investors typically possess $2-3 million liquid capital with hotel or hospitality experience. The business model suits investors seeking long-term real estate appreciation alongside operational income, particularly in secondary markets with limited branded hotel competition.", "brand_bragging_rights": [ "Upper-midscale positioning in underserved markets", "Seventeen years operational track record", "Big city quality, small town values", "Complimentary breakfast and convenience stores", "119 units across United States", "Fastest growing midwest hotel chain

Cobblestone Inn & Suites maintains a strategic presence across multiple states, with widespread coverage demonstrating strong regional concentration in the Midwest and Northeast. The franchise shows particular strength in states like Iowa, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania, suggesting successful market penetration in secondary and tertiary markets where full-service hotels are limited. The brand's impressive guest satisfaction ratings indicate consistent service quality and guest satisfaction, particularly in smaller communities.

The franchise's geographic distribution reveals a clear focus on underserved markets, typically targeting communities with populations between 2,000-20,000 residents that lack quality lodging options. This positioning allows Cobblestone to establish itself as the premier lodging choice in smaller markets while avoiding direct competition with major hotel chains in metropolitan areas.

Expansion opportunities exist in the Southeast and Southwest regions, where the brand has limited presence. Ideal locations share characteristics with successful existing markets: proximity to regional business centers, healthcare facilities, or tourist attractions, stable local economies, and limited competition from national hotel chains. The franchise's concentrated presence in the Midwest suggests strong operational support and brand recognition in this region, making it particularly attractive for new franchisees in adjacent markets.