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TravelItem 19: ✓ DisclosedHigh Confidence · 90/100FDD data: 2023 · Stale

Choice Hotels International, Inc. Franchise Cost and Profit

FDD-based startup cost, franchise fee, revenue, profit, SBA default rate, and investment risk signals for Choice Hotels International, Inc..

Based on 2023 FDD · 8 filings in corpus

This page is using 2023 FDD source data. Verify the franchisor's current FDD before relying on costs, fees, or Item 19.

FranchiseIQ Score
67
B
Moderate-Low Risk
Composite score from 3 risk dimensions. Click for breakdown ↓
Health Score
C+
68/100
3/7 metrics · Medium confidence
Full analysis unlocks:
✓ Cash-on-Cash return
✓ Payback period
✓ SBA default rate
✓ Red flags assessment
✓ Comparable franchises
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Cost and profit at a glance

How much does a Choice Hotels International, Inc. franchise cost and make?

Based on FDDIQ's FDD corpus, a Choice Hotels International, Inc. franchise shows an estimated initial investment of $2.9M – $18.6M. Reported owner economics show $115K. Use the links below to compare the cost, revenue, SBA loan history, and ROI against other franchises before you request the full FDD.

Startup Cost
$2.9M – $18.6M
Total initial investment
Profit / Revenue
$115K
FDD Item 19 signal
Payback Signal
93.3 years
Modeled return metric
SBA Default Rate
0.0%
Loan repayment history
Compare franchise costsEstimate franchise ROICheck SBA default ratesBrowse Travel franchisesCompare similar franchises

Quick fee read: $45K franchise fee · 7.5% royalty/ad burden. These figures are directional screening data, not a substitute for reading the current FDD and speaking with existing operators.

Free decision snapshot

Before you talk to Choice Hotels International, Inc., check the numbers buyers usually miss.

The unlocked report ties this brand's FDD disclosures to SBA outcomes, Item 20 movement, fee load, missing-data labels, and buyer assumptions — so you can decide whether this is worth deeper diligence.

FDD disclosure qualitySBA default outcomesItem 20 unit movementFee/cost stressComparable brands
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Choice Hotels International, Inc. Franchise Analysis

Choice Hotels International, Inc. requires a total initial investment of $2.9M to $18.6M (midpoint approximately $10.7M), with an initial franchise fee of $45K. The ongoing fee burden is 7.5% (5.5% royalty plus 2% advertising fund). This is below the industry average of approximately 15.5%, leaving more margin for the operator.

According to Item 19 of the 2023 FDD, the median revenue for Choice Hotels International, Inc. locations is $1.5M. The implied franchisee EBITDA is approximately $115K, based on the margin assumptions disclosed in the FDD. The estimated cash-on-cash return is 1.1% with a payback period of approximately 93.3 years.

Choice Hotels International, Inc. operates approximately 133 franchised units. The SBA 7(a) loan default rate of 0.0% is well below the industry average of approximately 7.2%, indicating strong franchisee financial outcomes.

Prospective franchisees should verify all figures against the most recent FDD, conduct validation calls with multiple existing franchisees, and consult with a franchise attorney before signing any agreement.

Analysis based on 2023 FDD filing. FDDIQ Editorial Team · Methodology

Total Investment Range$2.9M$18.6M
MinMid: $10.7MMax

Key Metrics

Franchise Fee
$45K
Royalty Rate
5.5%
Ad Fund Rate
2%
Total Burden
7.5%
Royalty + ad fund
Units (2023)
133
Net Unit Growth
-
Year over year
Cash-on-Cash Return
1.1%
Annual estimated return
Payback Period
93.3 yrs
Break-even timeline
SBA Default Rate
0.0%
vs ~7.2% industry avg
Median Revenue
$1.5M
Item 19 disclosed
Premium Data

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CoC ReturnPayback PeriodSBA Default RateMedian RevenueEbitda MarginRisk Score
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Estimated using sector-average margins. Actual franchise economics vary by location, operator, and market conditions.

Choice Hotels International, Inc. vs. Travel Average

MetricChoice Hotels International, Inc.Travel Avg
SBA Default Rate0.0%7.2%
Cash-on-Cash Return1.1%15.5%
Total Investment$10.7M$250K

Industry averages based on FranchiseIQ corpus benchmarks. ▲ = better than avg, ▼ = worse.

SBA Loan Performance

Real lending data from SBA 7(a) loans (2010-2013). 84 loans across 26 states.

Default Rate
0.0%
Low Risk
Total SBA Loans
84
26 states
Total Loan Volume
$159.8M
SBA 7(a) approved
Avg Loan Size
$1.9M
Per franchisee
Loan Status Breakdown
65
Paid in Full (77%)
4
Currently Active
0
Charged Off
$0
Total Charged Off ($)
Paid Active Charged Off

Source: SBA 7(a) loan data via FOIA. Default rate = charged-off loans / total originated. Industry avg default rate ~7.2%.

Compare

Choice Hotels International, Inc. vs SailTimeChoice Hotels International, Inc. vs Sonesta RL Hotels Franchising Inc. (Red Lion)Choice Hotels International, Inc. vs SureStay

Similar Franchises · Travel

SailTime
Limited Data
$75K$152K
Sonesta RL Hotels Franchising Inc. (Red Lion)
$541K$33.5M
SureStay
Limited Data
$186K$24.3M
SailTime
$75K – $152K
Sonesta RL Hotels Franchising Inc. (Red Lion)
$541K – $33.5M
SureStay
$186K – $24.3M
Red Lion Hotels Franchising, Inc.
$731K – $10.7M

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Questions to Ask Before You Sign

5 data-driven questions every Choice Hotels International, Inc. franchise buyer should ask.

  1. 1.What is Choice Hotels International, Inc.'s SBA default rate compared to its competitors?Learn more →
  2. 2.Does Choice Hotels International, Inc. disclose Item 19 financial performance representations?Learn more →
  3. 3.What is the net unit growth trend over the past 3 years?Learn more →
  4. 4.What is the franchisee termination and transfer rate per Item 20?Learn more →
  5. 5.What do the FDD litigation disclosures (Item 3) reveal about franchisor legal history?Learn more →
Generate attorney questions for Choice Hotels International, Inc.Validation call guide →
Data sourced from publicly filed Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs) submitted to state franchise regulators. SBA loan data from public SBA 7(a) records. Information reflects the most recent FDD filing in our database and may not reflect current terms. Always verify with the franchisor's current FDD before making any investment decision. Not legal or financial advice.

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