Red Roof’s Zack Gharib: Leading the Future of Affordable Hospitality with Innovation and Purpose

Red Roof® is a leader in the economy lodging industry, with a portfolio of over 7,000 properties worldwide, including Red Roof Inn®, Red Roof PLUS+®, The Red Collection®, and HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof®. Under the leadership of Zack Gharib, Senior Vice President of Franchise Operations, Red Roof is committed to delivering exceptional value to both guests and franchisees. The brand provides comprehensive support through strategic marketing, advanced technology platforms, dedicated operational guidance, and a high-performing loyalty program. With a strong focus on innovation and owner success, Red Roof empowers franchisees to thrive in today’s competitive hospitality market.

In an ever-evolving hospitality landscape, Red Roof continues to shine as a beacon of affordability, consistency, and innovation. With more than 700 properties nationwide and a trusted reputation in the economy lodging segment, Red Roof is more than just a place to stay—it’s a brand built on strong values, strategic foresight, and a people-first philosophy.

As part of our Global Leadership Interview Series, we spoke this week with Zack Gharib, who stepped into the role of President of Red Roof in April 2024. A seasoned hospitality professional, Zack brings fresh energy and strategic clarity to the brand’s next chapter. In this exclusive interview, he shares insights on leadership, franchisee support, innovation, and the future of affordable lodging.

Stay tuned as we continue to bring you thought-provoking conversations with inspiring leaders shaping the future of hospitality around the world.

A Winning Formula: Quality, Affordability, and Care

Red Roof has long been synonymous with comfort on a budget. At its core, the company’s strategy remains simple yet effective: deliver clean, comfortable, and affordable accommodations with consistency across all locations.

“We’re the leader in the economy lodging segment because we combine value, quality, and convenience,” says Gharib. “That means working closely with our franchisees, setting clear brand standards, and tailoring property improvement plans to ensure every guest has a great experience.”

The company’s RediRewards® program stands out in the loyalty space, offering one of the richest rewards systems in the industry. Member-exclusive rates, redeemable points, and frequent promotions—including the impactful Room In Your Heart® campaigns—help Red Roof offer more value to its guests while giving back to charitable causes like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, No Kid Hungry®, and Canine Companions®.

New Prototypes, New Milestones

Under Gharib’s leadership, Red Roof is entering a new era of growth and modernization. This includes launching a new prototype model—a sleek, four-story, 80-room design that caters to owner preferences and guest expectations.

“We celebrated some major milestones, including opening our first new-construction HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof® in Tampa and our 700th hotel near JFK Airport in New York,” he shares. “But we’re not stopping there. We’re reevaluating internal processes and brand standards to drive even greater consistency and quality.”

Despite industry-wide headwinds like rising construction costs and financing challenges, Gharib remains optimistic. “Our affordable cost-per-key, flexible prototype design, and strong support infrastructure are making us a go-to choice for developers in the economy and extended-stay segments.”

Sustainability with Purpose

Red Roof’s Purpose With Heart® initiative embodies the brand’s commitment to responsible growth. Through its Heart For The Planet℠ pillar, the company is actively working to reduce its environmental footprint.

From bulk amenity dispensers that reduce single-use plastics to PTAC recycling programs in partnership with RoomOne Solutions, Red Roof is investing in long-term solutions. One standout innovation is the introduction of compostable coffee cups—a simple change with a meaningful impact on landfill waste.

“These initiatives are part of a broader ESG strategy that ensures Red Roof remains a responsible steward of our resources while embracing innovation,” Gharib notes.

Tech-Forward, Guest-Focused

Post-pandemic travelers expect seamless digital experiences, and Red Roof is meeting the moment with strategic tech partnerships.

Working with Zeta Marketing, the brand personalizes digital engagement across platforms. The HotelKey PMS and Sojern’s GenAI-powered reputation manager streamline operations and enhance real-time guest feedback. Most recently, the partnership with HotelIQ brings AI-powered decision-making tools to franchisees, equipping them to optimize performance and profitability.

A mobile app redesign is also underway to match the user-friendly experience of redroof.com, further enhancing convenience for on-the-go travelers.

Franchisee First: Supporting Ownership Success

At a time when hoteliers are squeezed by OTA fees and operational costs, Red Roof stands as a supportive ally to its franchise community. “We push direct bookings through exclusive RediRewards offers and constantly negotiate the best possible OTA terms for our owners,” Gharib explains.

The franchisee-focused approach extends to cost-efficient conversion models, labor-saving brand programs, and negotiated vendor rates, creating tangible value across the ownership lifecycle.

The People Behind the Brand

One of the most compelling parts of Gharib’s leadership vision is his unwavering belief in putting people first.

From RED Academy training programs to debt-free education initiatives, Red Roof invests in its team’s growth and development. On the corporate side, a flexible, remote-friendly work model attracts talent nationwide.

“Our HABITS—Hospitality, Adaptability, Belonging, Impact, Trust, and Success—are the values we live by,” says Gharib. “They’re more than words. They guide our leadership and our culture.”

A pivotal moment in his career? A piece of advice from Bill Marriott himself during Gharib’s early days in housekeeping: “Take care of your team. They'll take care of your guests.” That wisdom continues to shape his people-first leadership style.

What Sets Red Roof Apart

In a crowded and competitive economy lodging space, Red Roof’s edge lies in its clarity of purpose, loyal customer base, robust franchise support, and continuous innovation.

“We know who we are,” Gharib concludes. “We operate four core brands—Red Roof Inn, Red Roof PLUS+, The Red Collection, and HomeTowne Studios. We’ve refined our formula for success, and we’re focused on building for the future while staying true to the values that made us who we are.”

With Zack Gharib at the helm, Red Roof is not just keeping up with the times—it’s setting a new standard for value-driven hospitality.

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