Travelodge is teaming up with US fast food Popeyes, owned by Restaurant Brands International (TSX:QSR, NYSE:QSR), to bring a drive-thru service to its Northampton Sixfields site, following suit of several other companies that have teamed up with the budget hotel in recent years.
More than one-third of Travelodge sites now operate as a mixed development scheme, meaning in some cases the hotels come attached with coffee shops, supermarkets, offices, surgeries, retailers, or even drive-thrus.
Having already signed deals with companies like Waitrose, Aldi, Co-op, Greggs, Starbucks, and Green Hill Pubs, Travelodge is hoping to work with around 220 local authorities to open 300 new hotels, which it claims will help “stimulate regeneration” up and down the UK.
Steve Bennett, Travelodge, chief property and development officer, said: "We are constantly looking at new and innovative ways to develop our estate and enhance the customer journey.
“We have experience of working with major retailers and hospitality companies to help maximise development opportunities to support local growth, job creation, and regeneration.”
Partnerships like the one with Popeyes are expected to create around 9,000 new jobs, the company added.
Goldentree, the British asset management firm, put Travelodge up for sale for around £1.2 billion earlier this year.