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Hotels and motels

Ramada Introduces Michael Andretti & Mike Piazza Sports Cafe

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Ramada Franchise Systems Inc., a subsidiary of Cendant Corp., has announced the launch of the Michael Andretti & Mike Piazza Sports Cafe, a sports-themed restaurant concept exclusive to the Ramada chain. The first location opened at the Ramada Inn Resort Maingate in Kissimmee, Florida, marking a new era in celebrity hotel food service. The restaurant franchisor, Andretti & Piazza Sports Cafe LLC, is offering the Sports Cafe concept to Ramada Inn and Ramada Plaza Hotel franchisees for an initial investment of as low as $60,000, which includes franchise fees, equipment, and associated expenses.

The Michael Andretti & Mike Piazza Sports Cafe serves America's favorite food items in a quick-service, lively sports-themed dining area. Ramada aims to have 50 restaurants operational in 1998 and 300 within three years. The introduction of the branded restaurant concept is seen as a reversal of the trend favoring non-hotel restaurants, with the added revenue from merchandising sports-related products offering improved performance for restaurant franchisees.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ramada has introduced a new sports-themed restaurant concept, Michael Andretti & Mike Piazza Sports Cafe, exclusive to the Ramada chain.
  • The restaurant franchisor, Andretti & Piazza Sports Cafe LLC, offers the Sports Cafe concept to Ramada Inn and Ramada Plaza Hotel franchisees for an initial investment of as low as $60,000.
  • The first Sports Cafe location opened at the Ramada Inn Resort Maingate in Kissimmee, Florida.
  • Ramada aims to have 50 restaurants operational in 1998 and 300 within three years.
  • The introduction of the branded restaurant concept is seen as a reversal of the trend favoring non-hotel restaurants.
  • Michael Andretti and Mike Piazza, both international sports celebrities, are involved with the Sports Cafe concept.
  • Ramada Franchise Systems Inc. is a mid-to-upper-mid-market chain with over 950 properties throughout the United States.
  • The company is a subsidiary of Cendant Corp.

Statistics:

  • 50 restaurants operational in 1998
  • 300 restaurants within three years
  • Initial investment for the Sports Cafe concept: $60,000
  • Number of Ramada properties: over 950
  • Number of Sports Cafe locations: 1 (current location in Kissimmee, Florida)

Sources:

  • "Ramada Franchise Systems Inc. Announces Opening of First Michael Andretti & Mike Piazza Sports Cafe," Business Wire, January 9, 1998.
  • Ramada Franchise Systems Inc. press release.

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