A Message From the Chairman

Welcome. I'm Steve Belmonte, Chairman, Founder and CEO of Hospitality Solutions, LLC, the company that offers expertise, strong support and a multitude of services to help hospitality-industry entrepreneurs effectively and successfully work and negotiate with hotel and restaurant franchise companies as well as management companies.

As a veteran hospitality-industry executive — including 11 years as president and C.E.O. of Ramada and 10 years as president and C.E.O of a top hotel-management company — I have the experience to help you and your ownership/management team not only resolve problems but discover opportunities.

Even for longtime professionals, not to mention young people just starting out, the hotel and restaurant industry can be a very tough and complex arena in which to conduct business. Changes in the management ranks of franchise companies can often mean changes in corporate attitudes and operational philosophies.... difficult economic times can bring the need to make difficult choices.... changing market dynamics require new ways to do business.... the list goes on and on. The Hospitality Solutions team can guide you through the maze.

Hospitality Solutions offers experience and expertise in a wide range of areas: negotiation of license agreements, negotiation of termination agreements (liquidated-damage clauses), expert-witness services, mediations services, discount real estate brokerage, complete insurance services, and full service payroll services.

These are just some of the ways in which we can be of service to you. Whether you need assistance launching a hotel or restaurant or managing one, changing a flag, repositioning, dealing with operational concerns— whatever it might be, my staff and I are ready, willing and able to help.

The road to success in the U.S. lodging industry can be long and difficult. The shortest, easiest route to prosperity is with someone who's been there before and can help lead the way.

Sincerely, Steven J. Belmonte, Chairman, Founder and CEO Hospitality Solutions, LLC

Not all parties who claim to settle franchise disputes have the experience or relationships in place to negotiate an affordable, equitable resolution.

Published in Hotel Interactive
WINDERMERE, FLA. — March 1, 2011 — Last week, I received a phone call from a hotelier who refused my advice two years earlier. In 2009, the owner was facing a $200,000 liquidated damages claim imposed by a franchise company. He contacted me to help him resolve the matter. Using my many years of hospitality industry experience and leveraging a long-time relationship with franchise executives, I quickly was able to reach what I felt was an equitable settlement of $65,000 structured on a payment plan.