Where Seeking Franchisees: Franchisor is seeking new franchise units in the U.S.,Canada, Central America, Mexico, South America.

Training: Available at headquarters: 5 days. At franchisee’s location: 2 days. Regional workshops; customized property training : 1-3 days.

Ongoing Support: Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives

Marketing Support: Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising,

Other marketing support: Race car sponsorship

Franchise 500®: #155 (2013), #158 (2012), #192 (2011), #163 (2010), #138 (2009),

America’s Top Global: #142 (2013), #127 (2012), #152 (2011), #129 (2010), #107 (2009),

It all began in 1935. People everywhere were dreaming of two things: the promise of flying cars in the next 10 to 20 years and adventure.

A building contractor named Scott King didn’t know how to build a flying car, but he did have an idea for bringing people closer to adventure. That’s why he opened a motel called King’s Auto Court in San Diego, just in time for one of the most adventurous events of all – the World’s Fair. Well, the World’s Fair and the motel were both smash hits. In fact, because of the Fair, the motel stayed fully booked most of that year.

This caused a little light bulb to go off over Scott’s head, and if video cameras had been as prevalent then as they are today he would have turned to one of them, looked straight into the lens and dramatically said, “It’s time to expand.”

So that’s exactly what he did. With the help of various investor groups and his own background in building, Scott launched 24 more Southern California locations over the next five years. All of them close to plenty of adventure!

In 1940, the first motel named Travelodge was opened, and it became the official name of Scott’s company in 1946. Sleepy Bear was introduced as the company’s mascot in 1954, and has been welcoming people to adventure ever since.

Today, with locations close to beach adventures, downtown adventures and everything in between, Travelodge still accommodates adventure-seekers of all kinds.

And yes, the flying cars should be here soon!