Company Press Release: U.S. Franchise Systems
June1, 2000
ATLANTA, GA -- Veracruz Land Co. and Atlanta-based U.S. Franchise Systems (Nasdaq: USFS), franchisor of the Hawthorn
Suites hotel brand, have opened Texas' 19th Hawthorn property at 3759 North Expressway in Brownsville. There are
currently Hawthorn properties open in Arlington, Austin (three), Dallas (four), Fort Worth (two), Houston, Killeen,
Lubbock, Richardson, San Antonio (three) and Wichita Falls.
Hawthorn Suites is targeted to business travelers attending training classes, handling long-term projects or on
other extended-stay travel, as well as to families relocating to a new city. Hawthorn offers daily complimentary
hot breakfast buffet and evening social hour Monday through Thursday, plus an array of all-inclusive guest amenities
and business services.
Commented Steve Hymans, vice president of brand marketing for Hawthorn, ``We are proud to continue Hawthorn's expansion
throughout Texas. With spacious accommodations and array of services and amenities at excellent value, Hawthorn
is the traveler's alternative to higher-priced, full-service properties.''
The Hawthorn Suites in Brownsville includes 86 spacious studio, one- and two-bedroom suites, each with in-room
coffee makers, hairdryers, fully- equipped kitchens and expanded cable television with CNN, ESPN, HBO and VCR.
In addition to daily complimentary hot breakfast buffet and social hour, the property offers an outdoor pool, fitness
center and Sport Court®. All- inclusive amenities include complimentary USA Today newspaper, guest laundry,
on-site convenience store, meeting facilities, and complimentary airport shuttle to South Padre Island International
Airport, located seven miles from the property.
``The new Hawthorn is ideally located for both business and leisure travelers,'' said Gwen Benton, general manager
of the new Hawthorn. ``It is minutes from Sunrise Mall, Glady's Porter Zoo, the Historic Brownsville Museum, Stillman
House Museum and numerous office parks.''
According to Norma Harrison, regional manager of the property, ``We're looking forward to working with Hawthorn
and to providing the Brownsville market with a quality all-suite product.''
As of March 31, 2000, there were 150 Hawthorns open or under construction worldwide. For reservations, contact
1-800-527-1133 toll-free, or visit Hawthorn at www.hawthorn.com to access
information and make reservations instantly. In addition, Hawthorn guests can bid on everything from a Jaguar S-type
sedan and diamond ring, to free room nights, TVs and 3 Com Palm VII with the chain's new online auction at www.hawthorn.com
. Guests receive 1,000 ``Auction Dollars'' for every room night they buy through Dec. 14, 2000.
SOURCE: U.S. Franchise Systems