Tim Ryan, tryan@wolfrivermedia.com
Leader Photo by Lee Pulaski A blue tarp covers the AmericInn sign next to Green Bay Street. The marquee notes the hotel’s independence from the franchise.
The AmericInn in Shawano will soon be going by some other name.
The motel owned and operated by Midwest Hotels and Motels of Shawano, a subsidiary of the Samanta Roy Institute of Science and Technology, ended its franchise agreement with Minnesota-based AmericInn Hotels and Suites earlier this month.
AmericInn President and CEO Paul Kirwin said the parties mutually agreed to dissolve the franchise arrangement because Midwest was unable to continue meeting the standards of the AmericInn brand.
He said that included upgrades to the facility and its furnishings and technology.
“We’ve enjoyed being part of the Shawano community,” Kirwin said. “It was a good fit for our brand.”
Kirwin said he hopes there will be another AmericInn franchise in Shawano in the future, but at this point there is no specific location or project in the works.
Midwest recently covered the AmericInn sign with a blue tarp. A marquee below the sign notes that the hotel is now independent.
Midwest purchased the motel at 1330 E. Green Bay St. in 2004 on a $1.5 million land contract.
City Zoning Administrator and Building Inspector Brian Bunke said Midwest will have 90 days to remove or alter the AmericInn sign so that it no longer reflects the franchise, and would have to apply for a permit if it plans to erect a new sign.
Midwest representatives were not available for comment.