While some of these sites are independentally owned centers, the majority are owned or franchised by chains.
As many as 180 Bozo characters were on the airwaves around the country at one point, franchised by the trademark owner, Larry Harmon.
The Company also stated: "This action in no way affects the operation of the more than 430 Hooters Restaurants in 44 states and 27 countries which are owned or franchised by Atlanta based Hooters of America, LLC".
Other budget hotels are franchised by Holiday Inn, a brand of Six Continents, and Red Roof Inns, an Accor brand, while still others are owned and operated by independent local companies like Citylife Hotel Group and Triumph Hospitality.
"Vermont has a reputation for its rigorous permitting process," said Jay Canning, a local hotel developer and operator and one of the owners of the hotel, which is franchised by the Marriott Corporation.
But it would be complimented by a reinforcement of local control over franchises, as already happens in Scotland and Wales – and on Merseyside, where Merseyrail was franchised by the Merseyside Passenger Transport Executive, as opposed to the Department of Transport.
