Quest Apartment Hotels has been awarded its third 5-star rating for its franchise system.
An independent ratings process measures franchise brands by seven key performance criteria including franchisee financial performance, franchisor training and support, and compliance.
The accommodation chain was the first to be awarded a top rating by the Australian Franchise Rating Scale back in 2019 and has maintained its premium performance throughout the challenges of the last 18 months.
Quest’s general manager of franchise operations David Ridgeway said “After what has been an incredibly tough time for our sector globally, we could not be prouder of this accomplishment, which confirms we are on track with our vision to be recognised as the preferred franchising provider, with a sustained track record of success.
“As franchisor, we remain agile and committed to brand, product and service innovation, with significant work in the wings which will further the success of our business network into the future,” he said.
Ratings are allocated after an independent, fact-based assessment and then recorded on the Australian Franchise Registry, which is operated by FRANdata Australia.
Darryn McAuliffe, CEO FRANdata Australia, said “Quest Apartment Hotels achieved an excellent result in a highly challenging trading environment. Not surprisingly, events of the last 18 months have adversely impacted both the franchisor and the franchise network.
“However, the longer-term averages (on which much of the ratings model is based) and the forward outlook all remain very positive.”
Quest has been operating as a franchise for more than three decades, and now has 170 properties in Australia and internationally.
There are 16 new properties set to open by 2023 across Australia and New Zealand, with growth in the UK part of the strategy too.
Two properties opened in the fourth quarter of 2020, with Quest operating the businesses under its pre-franchising model, establishing strong foundations for franchisees to build upon.
Now Brendan Du Kamp, the existing franchisee at Quest Echuca, has taken ownership of Quest Ballarat Station [pictured above], while Quest Wangaratta will be led by Oscar Zevallos-Riveros, former employee of Quest Melbourne Airport.
“I’ve been part of the hotels sector for over 20 years, and part of the Quest family for 10”, said Brendan.
“It’s been a privilege to grow with the brand over the past decade, starting out as a general manager before stepping in as franchisee at Geelong, then Echuca and now Ballarat Station”.
Oscar Zevallos-Riveros will assume the role of general manager at Quest Wangaratta, making his first foray into franchise ownership under a joint venture with the support of five experienced Quest franchisees.