Howard Johnson

Strangely, HoJo’s roots trace back to a small soda fountain in Massachusetts circa 1925. Now you may be wondering, what do soda fountains have to do with hotels? If you were born after 1955, you may be wondering, what’s a soda fountain? Well as the kids today put it, we’re about to drop some knowledge.

Back in the day, Howard “Two Scoops” Johnson invented a secret formula for the most delicious chocolate and vanilla ice cream ever. He began serving it at his soda fountain and before long it became famous. People everywhere were talking about the tasty frozen treat. In fact, demand grew so much “Two Scoops” had an epiphany; open more stores and share his creation with the world. Thus, Howard Johnson helped pioneer the franchise business model.

Howard wasn’t just in it for the money. He knew his success depended on each store maintaining the same high quality ingredients and service he had built his reputation on. This rigid belief in quality and service would help guide his success as he made the logical transition from ice cream mogul to hotel chain operator. Okay, maybe it’s a weird leap but it’s one we’re glad he made.

In 1959, Howard “Late Check-Out” Johnson and his son set-out on their mission to create comfortable, affordable and friendly hotels that would serve both vacationers and business travelers alike. The result of their hard work and unyielding commitment to making their guests feel at home, is a globally recognized brand with over 500 hotels operating in more than 14 countries.