ROCKVILLE, Maryland—Selection Resorts Worldwide, Inc. finalized an settlement with The Brittano Group, Inc. to develop a brand new member of the Ascend Lodge Assortment in South Boston, Virginia: The Rook Resorts. This settlement marks the primary Ascend lodge by means of the corporate’s rising markets franchise growth program in 2022 by means of Selection’s dedication to variety within the hospitality business.
Anticipated in summer season 2024, The Rook at South Boston, a four-story, 37-room property could have a rooftop bar, full-service restaurant and bar, and occasion heart. The Rook at South Boston will present visitors with entry to town’s points of interest together with native eating places, outlets, and artwork galleries. The constructing, initially in-built 1929, can also be inside driving distance to close by Roanoke and Richmond, Virginia.
“Advancing alternatives for underrepresented entrepreneurs within the hospitality business stays a high precedence for Selection,” mentioned John Lancaster, vp, rising markets, franchise growth, and proprietor relationships, Selection Resorts Worldwide. “Precisely 20 years in the past, Selection grew to become the primary lodge firm with a staff devoted solely to rising a various franchisee base and immediately we’re proud to have awarded over 340 franchise agreements to under-represented minorities and seasoned entrepreneurs because the program began. We look ahead to working with The Brittano Group, Inc. as we have fun one other milestone for this essential initiative with the primary Ascend lodge being developed by means of this one-of-a-kind program.”
The Rook Resorts is owned by Julian Brittano, and his spouse, Karie Brittano. The Brittano’s initially acquired the lodge from the city of South Boston earlier final 12 months for $11 million earlier than getting into right into a franchise settlement with Selection Resorts.
“It’s clear that Selection Resorts cares about each creating extra alternatives for folks of all backgrounds to enter the hospitality business, in addition to supporting franchisees each step of the way in which so we are able to maximize our funding,” mentioned Julian Brittano. “We’re thrilled to be becoming a member of the business’s largest tender model within the Ascend Lodge Assortment, which permits us the liberty and creativity to carry our distinctive imaginative and prescient for The Rook Resorts to life whereas nonetheless being backed by a world engine and afforded best-in-class sources to make sure success.”
Karie Brittano added, “It’s one of many largest properties in downtown South Boston and its restoration is anticipated to spark a revival; to turn out to be a pillar for the neighborhood’s revitalization. It’s the place old-world meets its gorgeous new-world design, paying homage to the South Boston Speedway simply six miles away and Virginia’s Worldwide Raceway.”
There are over 330 Ascend Lodge Assortment properties worldwide, open, and in growth as of September 30, 2022. Within the coming months, extra accommodations are scheduled to open in Orlando, Florida; Sutter Creek, California; Lake Charles, Louisiana; and Puerto Rico.