The founder of a brand of inns originating in India has begun partnering with owners in the United States. Ritesh Agarwal has made his brand the dominant player in India's hospitality industry and has now set his sights on Texarkana.
Darsha "Gopi" Patel, owner and manager of OYO on State Line, formerly Scottish Inns and Suites, has owned the inn for two years with her husband. According to her, OYO made the Patels an offer to invest in the property, to give them the capital to do improve the place.
"We lacked the funds at the time to do what we needed to do with the inn," she said. "They came with their offer. We retain ownership and they share in the profits."
This approach is also one OYO has taken in India, which has been a part of OYO becoming the biggest hotel brand in India. OYO is also expanding in the U.S. The company is opening hotels outright as well as entering into similar partnerships with other inn owners.
"Our services are still the same," Patel said. "The rooms are now upgraded and fresher. We have cable, wifi, phone, an outdoor pool and a continental breakfast for our guests."
Patel describes the inn and hotel market in Texarkana as a competitive one, but the Patels' partnership with OYO has her confident the future will be a good one for her inn.
"We like the situation we are in now and we are hopeful for the future."