COLUMBUS, Ohio—Red Roof announced its first fully woman-owned franchise since launching its new RIDE with Red Roof initiative. The property is a Red Roof Inn & Suites conversion located in Richland, Mississippi, and is the second hotel in owner Kalpana Patel’s portfolio. It brings the number of Red Roof properties owned or partially owned by women to more than 35 percent.
RIDE (Road to Inclusivity and Diversity in Entrepreneurship) will expand and diversify hotel ownership and entrepreneurial opportunities for underrepresented groups by focusing on the business needs of entrepreneurs, providing access to capital, educational resources, and the connections needed to build a network of industry partners. Coupled with its sister program SHE, inspired by Red Roof, a program to Support, Help, and Elevate women, Red Roof is propelling towards its goal of 40 percent of properties owned or partially owned by women.
With 64 percent of the Red Roof development team belonging to a minority group and women such as Lina Patel and Jennifer Burcham at the forefront of Kalpana Patel’s new franchise agreement, RIDE is positioned to expand Red Roof’s population of diverse and underrepresented owners.
“I am thrilled to join the Red Roof family, and after working with Jennifer Burcham and Lina Patel, I am excited for the future of our agreement,” said Kalpana Patel. “The educational resources and networking provided by Red Roof and RIDE were crucial to the success of the hotel’s conversion. Jennifer and Lina worked with me at each step of the process, from understanding the requirements of changing brands to preparing the hotel for a product improvement plan, and were always available to answer any of my questions throughout the transition.”
“Our organization, and our industry, relies on passionate operators such as Kalpana Patel, and we are proud to welcome her to the Red Roof family,” said Matthew Hostetler, chief development officer at Red Roof. “Red Roof is committed to helping Kalpana expand and grow her business—as our RIDE initiative and other programs continue to bring value to all communities of entrepreneurs in the industry.”
The signing comes amidst the continuing expansion of Red Roof’s diversity, equity, and inclusivity efforts, including:
- The appointment of Lina Patel to director of strategic franchise initiatives in April 2023.
- The launch of RIDE, an initiative designed to provide a Road to Inclusivity and Diversity in Entrepreneurship for hotel owners and franchisees.
- Active participation in events such as the 2023 Latino Hotel Association Conference, NABHOOD’s 10th Annual International Multicultural & Heritage Tourism Summit & Trade Show, as a preferred sponsor of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association, and more.
- The forthcoming SHE Leads Forum, which brings together leaders from across the industry to share best practices, learning, and mentorship and grow their businesses.
“For women starting their careers, it’s important to stay very focused on the goals you set for yourself,” Patel said. “I am grateful to Red Roof for their support, partnership, and this unique opportunity. I look forward to a long and mutually rewarding working relationship.”
“Kalpana Patel has achieved so much since becoming a hotelier, and we are thrilled to announce her decision to join the Red Roof Family,” said Lina Patel. “She is an outstanding operator whose industry knowledge and natural determination are a perfect fit for Red Roof.”
