After a rapid expansion, with branches in several surrounding cities, the company transformed itself into a franchise chain and created many new courses.

Two years later, it was reported that a new store was opening every four days and became the fastest growing franchise chain in the country.

Firehouse is the first national franchise chain to utilize the new technology in all franchises.

"In franchise chains," she said, "individual hotels were often allowed to set their own rules."

In many cases, independent motels have needed to add amenities simply to remain competitive with franchise chains which are taking an increasing market share.

By circa 1986 the franchise chain filed for bankruptcy and closed most of its locations.

Currently the franchise chain has nearly fifty stores in operation across nine states with many future locations planned.

Earnings fell in an economic slowdown and credit dried up for franchise chains generally.

It is perhaps implicitly assumed that each franchise chain has little market power.

Mark Loberg was so successful at fixing up garages that he created a national franchise chain.