Coalition of Franchisee Associations Welcomes Asian American Hotel Owners Association as Newest Member

Washington, D.C. — The Coalition of Franchisee Associations (CFA) is pleased to announce the addition of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) as its newest member association. This brings CFA membership to nine franchisee associations—which together employ more than one million individuals—working together to better the franchise community across multiple industries and brands.

Founded in 1989, AAHOA is now one of the fastest-growing organizations in the industry. According to a study released last year by the premier industry consultant PKF Consulting, AAHOA has more than 10,000 members who own in excess of 20,000 hotels across the country. This is 40 percent of all hotels in the United States, with a combined property value of $128 billion. AAHOA members employ 578,600 full- and part-time workers, with a $9.4 billion payroll. More than two thirds (2/3) of all AAHOA members own franchised properties, and AAHOA works closely with the hotel franchise companies for the benefit of its members and for the franchise systems overall. AAHOA also advocates for its members at the Federal, State and local levels, which includes developing close working relationships with elected officials who support the lodging industry, franchisees, small business owners and the Indian American community. 

AAHOA Chairman Chandrakant "C.K." Patel explained AAHOA’s decision to join CFA:  “As part of our long-term strategic plan, AAHOA is seeking to create alliances with like-minded associations that share common interests with AAHOA and our members. CFA is comprised of independent franchisee associations that have similar small business concerns and objectives as AAHOA in dealing with franchisors, legislators and bankers. Joining CFA will allow us to come together with other franchisees to achieve new milestones in the community. Our combined group will have a stronger position and a recognized voice in Washington, D.C. and in states around the country to call for necessary changes that will have a beneficial impact for many years to come. On the franchising side, we are looking forward to developing a universal franchisee bill of rights with CFA, which can serve as a model for all franchisors, no matter which industry or sector, in dealing fairly with their franchisees.” 

“By working together, we can speak with a unified voice and accomplish both short- and long-term objectives for our members and all small business owners,” said AAHOA President Fred Schwartz. “The experience and strength of AAHOA combined with the large numbers of franchisees from CFA who have varied backgrounds and come from diverse industries will allow us to make a difference that will benefit all.”

Together with other CFA member associations representing franchisees from Buffalo Wild Wings^®, BURGER KING^®, Dunkin’ Donuts, Hardee’s^®, Meineke, SUBWAY^®, Little Caesar’s and Supercuts, AAHOA will work to leverage the collective strengths of the franchisee associations for the benefit of the franchisee community.

“We are proud to welcome AAHOA as a new member of the CFA. The CFA continues to grow, as does our voice on Capitol Hill and within the franchise community. I believe we have the potential to become the premier association working to protect franchisees across all industries and I’m excited this powerful organization will now be a part of that effort,” said David Glodowski, CFA chairman and member of the Independent Hardee’s Franchisee Association.

About AAHOA
The Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) is THE voice of owners in the hospitality industry. AAHOA Officers include Chairman ChandraKant “C.K.” Patel, CHO, Vice Chairman Hemant D. “Henry” Patel, Treasurer Alkesh R. “Al” Patel, CHO, Secretary Mehul B. “Mike” Patel, CHA and President Fred Schwartz, each of whom works closely with a 34-member Board of Directors to provide direction for the association. AAHOA is dedicated to promoting and protecting the interests of its members by inspiring excellence through programs and initiatives in advocacy, industry leadership, professional development, member benefits and community involvement. 

About the Coalition of Franchisee Associations

The Coalition of Franchisee Associations Inc. (CFA) brings together some of the largest and most reputable independent franchisee associations to form an organization with a mission “to leverage the collective strengths of franchisee associations for the benefit of the franchisee community.” The CFA—with headquarters in Washington, D.C.—is committed to providing vital support and assistance to the franchisee community at large. To learn more about the organization please visit http://www.thecfainc.com

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For more information, please contact Elizabeth Lowman, marketing and communications manager
at elizabethl@thecfainc.com or (678) 797-5160.