FacebookMeta
including, any “blog,” personal email addresses, professional networks, business profiles, online review or opinion sites with LinkedIn, Google Business Profile, or Yelp, YouTube, Facebook, My Space,
From the filings
+6.667% units YoYHQ-led decisions
GrandStay Hotel & Suites
LodgingSoftware purchasing at GrandStay Hotel & Suites is controlled at the corporate level, with a mandated business system, global reservation system, property management software, and brand website required for all franchised locations. The franchisor’s 2026 FDD names President Mary Sandberg and franchise sales lead Jon Kennedy among the key executives, signaling a centralized decision-making structure. While total unit counts are not disclosed in the filing, the brand’s 20-year initial term and 5.0% royalty create a stable, long-horizon target for vendors selling into the lodging segment.
For software vendors selling into US franchise brands.
Live signals
Total units
32
32 franchised
Unit growth YoY
+6.667%
vs prior filing
AUV
—
Item 19, 2026
Royalty
5%
of gross sales
Ad fund
2%
national + local
Initial fee
$35K
per unit
Investment range
$5.04M–$24.18M
all-in, Item 7
Procurement
Approved supplier
from the filing
Item 19
No claims
from the filing
Ongoing fee load
What the operator pays every month
The recurring percentage of gross sales named in this filing, before rent, labour or any technology fee.
7%of gross sales (FY2026)
15% reference
Mandated & recommended tech
The systems vendors compete with
Systems named in Item 11 of this filing. None is recorded as mandated here, which is not the same as the filing mandating nothing. Read Item 11 before treating the category as open.
Google Business ProfileGoogle
network, social media or online community including, any “blog,” personal email addresses, professional networks, business profiles, online review or opinion sites with LinkedIn, Google Business Profi
InstagramMeta
ofessional networks, business profiles, online review or opinion sites with LinkedIn, Google Business Profile, or Yelp, YouTube, Facebook, My Space, X (formally known as Twitter), Instagram, Snapchat,
LinkedInLinkedIn
any social network, social media or online community including, any “blog,” personal email addresses, professional networks, business profiles, online review or opinion sites with LinkedIn, Google Bus
PinterestPinterest
business profiles, online review or opinion sites with LinkedIn, Google Business Profile, or Yelp, YouTube, Facebook, My Space, X (formally known as Twitter), Instagram, Snapchat, Pinterest or Wikiped
SnapchatSnapchat
networks, business profiles, online review or opinion sites with LinkedIn, Google Business Profile, or Yelp, YouTube, Facebook, My Space, X (formally known as Twitter), Instagram, Snapchat, Pinterest
TwitterX
resses, professional networks, business profiles, online review or opinion sites with LinkedIn, Google Business Profile, or Yelp, YouTube, Facebook, My Space, X (formally known as Twitter), Instagram,
YelpYelp
line community including, any “blog,” personal email addresses, professional networks, business profiles, online review or opinion sites with LinkedIn, Google Business Profile, or Yelp, YouTube, Faceb
YouTubeGoogle
ommunity including, any “blog,” personal email addresses, professional networks, business profiles, online review or opinion sites with LinkedIn, Google Business Profile, or Yelp, YouTube, Facebook, M
Franchisor behaviours
What the franchisor requires
26 requirements the franchisor states in this filing, each in its own words; 3 explicit no's; 5 questions the text does not settle, which is not a no.
Accounting
Does the franchisor have direct or independent electronic access to the franchisee's financial, sales or customer records?
YesItem 11
We will have independent access to the information in your computer equipment without your permission.
Must the franchisee submit periodic financial statements (monthly, quarterly or annual) to the franchisor?
YesFranchise agreement
The monthly Reports for the Franchisee’s GrandStay Property will be delivered to GrandStay within 5 days after the end of each calendar month.
How the franchisor buys
Is the franchisor or an affiliate itself a supplier of required products, services or systems?
YesItem 8
We and our affiliates may be approved suppliers for certain items you purchase for use in your business.
Does the franchisor reserve the right to change designated suppliers or systems at any time?
YesItem 8
We may modify our written standards and specifications upon notice to you and you must comply with any modifications.
How much revenue did the franchisor and its affiliates earn from franchisee purchases in the last fiscal year?
0Item 8
In our fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, we received no revenues from sale of required goods or services to our franchisees.
Does the franchisor or an affiliate receive rebates, commissions or other revenue from designated or approved suppliers?
YesItem 8
We also may receive income in the form of rebates, discounts, allowances or other payments or credits from designated or approved suppliers that sell products or services to franchisees.
Item 8 gives this proportion in one of two shapes: separate percentages for establishing the business and for operating it, or one figure covering "establishing and operating" together. Where they are separate, answer with the operating percentage; where the passage gives only the combined figure, answer with that. What percentage of the franchisee's purchases must come from designated or approved suppliers?
80Item 8
We estimate that required purchases of products and services that must meet our specifications will be approximately 90% of your initial investment and approximately 80% of the ongoing expenses of operating your GrandStay property.
Can a franchisee propose a new supplier for the franchisor's approval?
YesFranchise agreement
The Franchisee may purchase certain products and services specified by GrandStay from suppliers that have not been approved by GrandStay provided that such products and services conform in quality to GrandStay’s standards and specifications and provided that GrandStay determines that the supplier’s business…
Communications
Does the franchisor own or control the business telephone numbers, or take them over when the agreement ends?
YesFranchise agreement
The Franchisee acknowledges that GrandStay has the absolute right and interest in all of the telephone numbers and telephone directory listings associated with the Marks, and the Franchisee hereby authorizes GrandStay to direct the telephone company and all listing agencies to transfer all of the Franchisee’s…
Data and IT
Must the franchisee comply with PCI, data-security or cybersecurity standards set by the franchisor?
YesFranchise agreement
If the Franchisee will store, process, transmit or otherwise access or possess cardholder data in connection with the sale of the products and services provided under this Agreement, the Franchisee will maintain the security of cardholder data and adhere to the then-current Payment Card Industry Data Security…
Franchise management
Does the franchisor conduct periodic inspections, audits or evaluations of the franchised business?
YesFranchise agreement
Without limiting the foregoing, GrandStay will have the right to conduct Quality Assurance Evaluation (“QAE”) inspections of the Franchisee’s GrandStay Property.
Can the franchisor change the operations manual and brand standards unilaterally?
YesFranchise agreement
GrandStay may from time to time revise the Manuals, and the Franchisee expressly agrees to operate its GrandStay Property in accordance with all such revisions.
Must the franchisor approve the franchisee's site or location before opening?
YesFranchise agreement
The Franchisee will not lease, purchase or otherwise acquire a site for the Franchised Location until such information as GrandStay may require regarding the proposed site has been provided to GrandStay by the Franchisee, and GrandStay has issued a notice of no objection for the proposed site.
Marketing
Is the franchisee prohibited from operating its own website or social media accounts, or required to use pages the franchisor provides?
YesItem 11
Unless otherwise approved by us, your sole Internet presence must be through the GrandStay Website, as defined in the Website Use Agreement you sign at the time you sign the Franchise Agreement.
Is the franchisee required to spend a minimum amount on local advertising or marketing, as a percentage of sales or a fixed amount?
YesItem 11
You must spend at least 2% of your Monthly Gross Room Revenues on local advertising to promote your business.
Must the franchisee participate in a customer loyalty or rewards program?
YesItem 16
You must also participate in all promotional programs we establish, including all customer appreciation, gift card, loyalty, and rewards programs.
Must the franchisee participate in a regional advertising cooperative when one exists?
YesFranchise agreement
The Franchisee must participate in any local or regional advertising campaigns required by GrandStay, at GrandStay’s sole discretion.
Operations
Must the franchisee buy products from a designated distributor?
YesItem 8
You must purchase or lease certain products and services for your GrandStay property from suppliers that we have approved.
Must equipment be purchased from designated or approved suppliers?
YesItem 8
You must purchase or lease certain products and services for your GrandStay property from suppliers that we have approved.
Payments
Are royalties and other fees collected by automatic bank debit (ACH or electronic funds transfer) from the franchisee's account?
YesFranchise agreement
Franchisee shall give GrandStay authorization, in the form prescribed by GrandStay, which current form is attached as Exhibit B, for direct debits from Franchisee’s business bank operating account for amounts owing to GrandStay.
Must the franchisee participate in a gift card program?
YesItem 16
You must also participate in all promotional programs we establish, including all customer appreciation, gift card, loyalty, and rewards programs.
People
Does the franchisor require minimum staffing levels or specific roles?
YesFranchise agreement
The Franchisee must at all times employ a General Manager who has successfully completed the prescribed training program
Must employees wear uniforms specified by the franchisor?
YesFranchise agreement
The Franchisee will require its employees to wear the attire or uniforms described in the Manuals, which attire or uniforms must be neat and clean.
Point of sale
Does the franchisor have independent access to the data in the franchisee's POS or computer system?
YesFranchise agreement
GrandStay shall have the right to independently access Franchisee’s computer system, including any point-of-sale system, reservation system, customer relations or property management system and software for any purpose including, but not limited to, determining any amounts owed GrandStay for any period of time.
Training
Can the franchisor charge the franchisee for additional, refresher or remedial training?
YesItem 11
However, if we were to provide you or any of your personnel with additional training or if any person who needs training does not complete the training program at the designated training location, and we conduct the uncompleted training at another location, then you must pay us our then-current on-site training fee…
Is attendance at an annual convention or conference mandatory for the franchisee?
YesFranchise agreement
The Franchisee (or if the Franchisee is an entity, the Franchisee’s President or an equivalent position) will attend each convention held by GrandStay for franchisees of GrandStay Properties.
The filing answers no to 3 questions
- Is there a franchisee advisory council, association or committee?Item 20
- Is a minimum grand opening advertising spend required?Item 11
- Must the franchisee use a specific point-of-sale system designated or approved by the franchisor?Item 8
The vendor opportunity at GrandStay
GrandStay Hotel & Suites operates in the lodging segment with a franchise system headquartered in Minnesota. The 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document does not disclose total unit counts, franchised versus company-owned breakdown, or year-over-year unit growth, so the exact addressable market size remains opaque. What is clear is that every franchised location must adopt a suite of mandated technology, creating a uniform environment for software vendors. The initial franchise term runs 20 years, and the royalty is set at 5.0% of gross revenues. For a software vendor, this structure means a long sales cycle but potentially durable, multi-year contracts once you are embedded in the tech stack.
Who controls software purchasing
Purchasing authority at GrandStay sits at the corporate level. The 2026 FDD lists Mary Sandberg as President and Jon Kennedy as Member of the Board of Governors and Franchise Sales and Development. Additional board members include John P. Berdusco, Lee Matricaria, and Andrew Matricaria. No separate CIO or VP of Technology is named, but the concentration of decision-makers in the C-suite and board suggests that any software pitch must clear a small, senior group. Vendors should prepare for a top-down sales motion rather than a franchisee-led, bottom-up adoption path.
Mandated and current tech stack
GrandStay’s Item 11 disclosures mandate four technology components for all franchisees: a business system, a global reservation system, the GrandStay website, and property management software. The FDD does not name the specific vendors behind these systems, so vendors must conduct primary discovery to identify incumbents and integration points. The presence of a mandated global reservation system and property management software indicates a tech stack typical of mid-market hotel brands, where PMS and CRS are the operational backbone. Any software pitch—whether for revenue management, guest experience, or back-office automation—must demonstrate compatibility with or clear superiority over these existing mandates.
Procurement, renewals, and timing
The FDD provides no Item 8 procurement extract, leaving GrandStay’s supplier-selection process undefined. It is not known whether the franchisor designates specific suppliers, maintains an approved-vendor list, or allows franchisees open choice within the mandated categories. On renewals, Item 17 requires franchisees to give 180 days’ written notice, comply with all material terms, pay all monetary obligations, agree to remodel and retrain, and sign a new franchise agreement with materially different terms. The renewal term is 20 years. For software vendors, the 180-day notice window and the requirement for a materially different agreement at renewal could create openings to displace incumbents or introduce new solutions when franchisees are already renegotiating their entire relationship with the franchisor.
How to read the GrandStay FDD
The 2026 GrandStay Hotel & Suites FDD is embedded below for full-text review. Key sections for software vendors include Item 11 (mandated technology), Item 8 (procurement—though absent here), and Item 17 (renewal and transfer conditions). Because the FDD does not disclose unit counts or AUV, vendors should supplement this document with primary research on the brand’s current footprint. For a ranked target list of franchise systems matched to your software category, FranCloud can help you prioritize where to pitch next.
Questions vendors ask
GrandStay Hotel & Suites, answered from the filing
The 2026 FDD lists President Mary Sandberg and Jon Kennedy, Member of the Board of Governors and Franchise Sales and Development, as key officers. Purchasing authority appears centralized at HQ.
GrandStay mandates a business system, global reservation system, the GrandStay website, and property management software. Specific vendor names are not disclosed in the FDD.
The total number of US locations—franchised and company-owned—is not disclosed in the 2026 FDD. No operator footprint data is available in our corpus.
The FDD does not include an Item 8 procurement extract, so it is unclear whether GrandStay uses designated suppliers, an approved-supplier program, or an open procurement model.
Renewal requires 180 days’ written notice and a new agreement with materially different terms. With a 20-year term, contract windows may align with renewal cycles, but no recent activity data is available.
The 2026 FDD is filed with state franchise regulators. You can review it using the embedded PDF viewer below—no need to visit a specific depository or registry.
Source
Read the filing itself
Every number on this page traces back to this document. Read it in full, page by page. Buy the original PDF to download, search, and annotate it.
View only A one-time purchase: the original filing, yours to keep.
FDD alert
Tell me when this brand refiles.
We’ll email you the moment GrandStay Hotel & Suites files a new annual FDD, usually the freshest signal of a vendor change.
Operator footprint
Who runs the locations
35 operators run 35 mapped locations. 0 of them are multi-unit. Aggregate counts from the filing; no names.
Operators by units owned
Single-unit35
Top states by locations
| MN | 21 |
|---|---|
| WI | 7 |
| IA | 4 |
| OR | 1 |
| SD | 1 |
Related Lodging brands
Primary franchise filings · updated June 2026. Every figure is source-traceable and QA-checked.