Latest news with #Bluffton
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Landingplace Hotels Launches Two New Brands
Landingplace Suites Targeted Toward Long-Term Extended-Stay Guests; Landingplace Select Geared Toward Transient Travelers BLUFFTON, S.C., July 28, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Officials of Landingplace Hotels, a hotel franchisor built by operators for operators, today announced the launch of two midscale, conversion-focused brands aimed at solving the real challenges hotel owners face, from rising costs and staffing shortages to rigid brand standards and shifting guest expectations. Landingplace Suites bridges the gap between extended-stay hotels and furnished apartments, offering flexible 30+ night stays without leases. Guests enjoy apartment-style suites that combine home-like comfort with hotel convenience. Locally inspired experiences, such as activated outdoor spaces, community rooms, food trucks and live music, create a lifestyle-driven experience for long-term guests. Landingplace Select is a select-service brand designed for short-term, high-traffic stays. With lean operations, pay-per-use housekeeping and an expanded grab-and-go market, it is designed for streamlined operations and efficiencies. Simple, modern design and smart tech deliver a clean, guest-driven experience that's easy to operate and built for flexibility and simplicity. Founded by seasoned hospitality owners and operators, Landingplace Hotels delivers a flexible, operationally efficient model built around the goal of enabling owners to operate more profitably and adapt to rising costs, tighter financing and shifting guest expectations. Landingplace delivers unique value to owners by taking a cutting-edge approach to housekeeping and breakfast, increasing distribution opportunities through long-term stays marketed on platforms like and standing out in the crowded midscale market with locally inspired design and lifestyle programming, such as food trucks, live music and neighborhood partnerships. "As owners and operators ourselves, we've seen firsthand how rigid, outdated hotel systems fall short for today's guests and owners," said Jeremy Bratcher, CEO and co-founder. "We built Landingplace to close that gap — with brands designed for flexibility, simplicity and an owner-first approach, without compromising guest comfort or performance." Unlike legacy brands with blanket mandates, Landingplace offers flexible, cost-efficient PIP standards. "According to Matthews Real Estate Investment Services™, a commercial real estate investment services and technology firm, more than $5.8 billion in U.S. hotel loans will mature in 2025, creating major refinancing pressure," Bratcher added. "At the same time, rising PIP costs, FF&E expenses and interest rates are making it harder for owners to stay compliant or reposition assets profitably. Our model gives owners a smarter path forward engineered for operational simplicity and scalability with cost-efficient PIP standards, lean operations and flexible conversions and new builds that help properties stand out in a crowded midscale market." Helping Owners Capture Untapped Demand Landingplace Hotels equips every property with built-in tools to enhance efficiency, reach untapped demand and simplify operations. Inventory is distributed across platforms like Furnished Finder, Airbnb and Zillow, attracting long-term guests most hotels miss. Each property uses HotelKey for its PMS, FLYR for AI-powered revenue management and Amadeus iHotelier for full-channel distribution. Guest-facing tools like Nonius and Yuvod TV for streaming, The Guestbook rewards program and Cvent Transient leads help properties increase loyalty, stand out and drive more revenue per stay. "Everything we've built, from flexible, realistic PIP strategies and streamlined operations to tools that capture untapped demand, is designed to solve real challenges for owners," said Jacob Amezcua, president and co-founder. "We're hoteliers ourselves, and we know it's possible to run a leaner, more efficient hotel without sacrificing guest experience. In fact, streamlined operations with a focus on guest choice and flexibility often lead to a more personalized and memorable stay." Executive Team Landingplace Hotels was co-founded by Jeremy Bratcher and Jacob Amezcua, who bring over 35 years of combined leadership in hospitality, franchising and real estate. Bratcher has held senior roles with leading hotel groups including IHG Hotels & Resorts, Spinnaker Resorts, MCR Hotels, Island Hospitality GF Hotels, and Starwood Hotels. Amezcua's background includes leadership at 3M and Experian, as well as experience with multifamily value-add and hotel conversion projects. The leadership team includes Stacy Bedsole, EVP of Brand & Marketing; Glenn Miller, EVP of Commercial Strategy; John Kelly, EVP of Franchise Operations; Orlando McRae, Director of Design & Construction; and Gus Stamoutsos, SVP of Franchise Development. Target Locations Development is focused on urban and suburban markets with strong business, medical and university demand, where brand saturation limits new entry and creates a need for flexible, financially viable alternatives. "Landingplace was built to give owners a financially viable way to compete in a shifting market," Amezcua added. "Unlike legacy brands, we focus on operational simplicity, freedom within a framework and industry leading systems— all while delivering a guest experience that's flexible and tailored to meet modern guest needs." About Landingplace Hotels Founded by hospitality and Fortune 500 veterans Jeremy Bratcher and Jacob Amezcua, Landingplace Hotels is a next-generation hotel franchisor built by operators for operators. Headquartered in Bluffton, S.C., Landingplace Hotels' brands provide flexibility and value-driven stay experiences for guests while streamlining operations and providing enhanced distribution opportunities for owners. The company currently provides franchise opportunities for Landingplace Suites, a midscale, ultra-extended stay brand, and Landingplace Select, a midscale, select-service brand more focused on transient guests. For additional information on the company, please visit or send inquiries to franchise@ The name of the franchisor is Landingplace Franchising LLC, and its address is 1050 Fording Island Road, Suite C #1055, Bluffton, SC 29910. This is not an offer to sell a franchise. An offer can only be made through delivery of a Franchise Disclosure Document. Certain states require registration of a franchise before offering or selling in that state. Landingplace franchises will not be offered to residents of those states unless and until the franchise has been registered or exempted as required. Those states include California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. Operational outcomes will vary by location and operator. Landingplace Hotels does not make any guarantees regarding income or profitability. See Item 19 of our Franchise Disclosure Document for more information. View source version on Contacts Chris Daly, media(703) 864-5553chris@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Daily Mail
30-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Quintessential Southern town becomes new hotspot
A charming Southern town dubbed the heart of the Lowcountry has become a hotspot for those yearning for a laid-back lifestyle. With its natural allure and vibrant art scene, Bluffton, South Carolina has caught the eyes of more adults than any other town or city this year. US News & World Report analyzed online search patterns to determine where people are interested in living, and the riverfront gem garnered the most traction. This comes as no surprise to locals, as Bluffton's population has more than doubled over the past 15 years. Since 2010, the number of Bluffton residents has grown by 120 percent, Bluffton Public Information Officer Debbie Szpanka told Daily Mail. Census data shows an even greater growth rate. With 12,530 residents in 2010 and 36,146 in July 2024 - an increase of roughly 188 percent. 'People are drawn to the strong sense of community, the chance to slow down, and the everyday access to nature, culture, award-winning culinary scene, and local businesses - all within a short drive from home,' Szpanka wrote. 'Bluffton has that unique "sense of place." It's where neighbors still wave to each other and where historic structures - and the stories behind them - are celebrated.' Bluffton realtors Joan Kelly (pictured) and Desiree Dulski, both originally from the Northeast, said most of their clients come from out of state and are looking for a change of pace. 'Quite honestly, the folks who are originally from the area are definitely outnumbered,' Kelly explained to Daily Mail. Bluffton is situated on the bank of the stunning May River and is just a 30-minute drive from Hilton Head's white sand beaches. 'You're really centrally located,' Kelly said, adding that Beaufort and Savannah, Georgia, are both less than an hour away as well. Over the past several years, both Kelly and Dulski (pictured) said their clientele consists of people mainly from the Northeast and Midwest, specifically Ohio. And while moving rates have been 'evening out' since the COVID real estate boom, according to Dulski, it is certainly a hot spot nonetheless. 'So, the nickname is the Lowcountry, and it lives up to the name,' Dulski said, explaining why those sick of chilly weather or a hectic city life flock to Bluffton. 'It's just kind of like a small town, slower pace of life - imagine, life on the river.' The 15-mile long May River - arguably the town's main draw - runs through Bluffton and is a popular site for fishing and boating. 'Many residents say they feel more connected to life by being surrounded by natural beauty,' Szpanka said. 'It never gets old to gaze at the May River, watch the tide roll in, or see dolphins playing just offshore.' 'World famous oysters' are also sourced from the gorgeous river's waters, according to Bluffton's official website . During low tide, outdoors lovers are known to take boats to the May River Sandbar - a hidden gem adored by locals about a mile from Bluffton's Brighton Beach coast. Bluffton's delightful downtown, also known as Old Town Bluffton, features art galleries, award-winning restaurants and boutiques. Original buildings and structures fill the area, maintaining its historical integrity. For example, The Church of the Cross was built before the civil war. Dulski moved to Bluffton from Pittsburg, Pennsylvania about 10 years ago - one of the best decisions she said she ever made. 'I feel in love with it right away and never looked back,' she said. 'It's very family oriented, so many young families - I will say that population seems to be growing.' Kelly added retirees have always been fond of Bluffton as well, as there are several large communities catered to that demographic available. 'Their obviously attracted to the weather and lower taxes, not from everywhere, but if you're coming from places like Connecticut or New Jersey, certainly lower taxes than those folks are used to paying,' she explained. New Jersey, for example, has one of the highest property tax rates in America, with residents paying an average rate of 2.23 percent. This is a significantly greater burden than in South Carolina - a state known for its low property taxes - where the average rate is 0.53 percent, according to SmartAsset. The average home price in Bluffton is $508,307 and the median income is $105,463, which is higher than the $80,610 national average, according to census data. The Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Beaufort Metropolitan Statistical Area has a low an unemployment rate of 3.3 percent as of April, while the national rate is 4.2 percent. 'I would just say you have to come experience it for yourself,' Dulski said when asked what she would tell someone considering moving to Bluffton. Despite its booming population, the small town - the so called 'Bluffton state of mind,' Kelly said - remains.
Daily Mail
28-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
The quintessential Southern town where everyone knows their neighbor becomes new hotspot after population boom
A charming Southern town dubbed the heart of the Lowcountry has become a hotspot for those yearning for a laid-back lifestyle. With its natural allure and vibrant art scene, Bluffton, South Carolina has caught the eyes of more adults than any other town or city this year. US News & World Report analyzed online search patterns to determine where people are interested in living, and the riverfront gem garnered the most traction. This comes as no surprise to locals, as Bluffton's population has more than doubled over the past 15 years. Since 2010, the number of Bluffton residents has grown by 120 percent, Bluffton Public Information Officer Debbie Szpanka told Daily Mail. Census data shows an even greater growth rate. With 12,530 residents in 2010 and 36,146 in July 2024 - an increase of roughly 188 percent. 'People are drawn to the strong sense of community, the chance to slow down, and the everyday access to nature, culture, award-winning culinary scene, and local businesses - all within a short drive from home,' Szpanka wrote. 'Bluffton has that unique "sense of place." It's where neighbors still wave to each other and where historic structures - and the stories behind them - are celebrated.' Bluffton realtors Joan Kelly and Desiree Dulski, both originally from the Northeast, said most of their clients come from out of state and are looking for a change of pace. 'Quite honestly, the folks who are originally from the area are definitely outnumbered,' Kelly explained to Daily Mail. Bluffton is situated on the bank of the stunning May River and is just a 30-minute drive from Hilton Head's white sand beaches. 'You're really centrally located,' Kelly said, adding that Beaufort and Savannah, Georgia, are both less than an hour away as well. Over the past several years, both Kelly and Dulski said their clientele consists of people mainly from the Northeast and Midwest, specifically Ohio. And while moving rates have been 'evening out' since the COVID real estate boom, according to Dulski, it is certainly a hot spot nonetheless. 'So, the nickname is the Lowcountry, and it lives up to the name,' Dulski said, explaining why those sick of chilly weather or a hectic city life flock to Bluffton. 'It's just kind of like a small town, slower pace of life - imagine, life on the river.' The 15-mile long May River - arguably the town's main draw - runs through Bluffton and is a popular site for fishing and boating. 'Many residents say they feel more connected to life by being surrounded by natural beauty,' Szpanka said. 'It never gets old to gaze at the May River, watch the tide roll in, or see dolphins playing just offshore.' 'World famous oysters' are also sourced from the gorgeous river's waters, according to Bluffton's official website. During low tide, outdoors-lovers are known to take boats to the May River Sandbar - a hidden gem adored by locals about a mile from Bluffton's Brighton Beach coast. Bluffton's delightful downtown, also known as Old Town Bluffton, features art galleries, award-winning restaurants and boutiques. Original buildings and structures fill the area, maintaining its historical integrity. For example, The Church of the Cross was built before the civil war. Dulski moved to Bluffton from Pittsburg, Pennsylvania about 10 years ago - one of the best decisions she said she ever made. 'I feel in love with it right away and never looked back,' she said. 'It's very family oriented, so many young families - I will say that population seems to be growing.' Kelly added retirees have always been fond of Bluffton as well, as there are several large communities catered to that demographic available. 'Their obviously attracted to the weather and lower taxes, not from everywhere, but if you're coming from places like Connecticut or New Jersey, certainly lower taxes than those folks are used to paying,' she explained. New Jersey, for example, has one of the highest property tax rates in America, with residents paying an average rate of 2.23 percent. This is a significantly greater burden than in South Carolina - a state known for its low property taxes - where the average rate is 0.53 percent, according to SmartAsset. The average home price in Bluffton is $508,307 and the median income is $105,463, which is higher than the $80,610 national average, according to census data. The Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Beaufort Metropolitan Statistical Area has a low an unemployment rate of 3.3 percent as of April, while the national rate is 4.2 percent. 'I would just say you have to come experience it for yourself,' Dulski said when asked what she would tell someone considering moving to Bluffton. Despite its booming population, the small town - the so called 'Bluffton state of mind,' Kelly said - remains.
Yahoo
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sam Burns Sends Clear Message on Wife Caroline Burns
Sam Burns Sends Clear Message on Wife Caroline Burns originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Sam Burns' wife Caroline (formerly Campbell) Burns prefers to keep a low profile as the golfer's Instagram feed is mostly full of posts about golf and hunting. If Sam's success at the US Open continues, it is going to be challenging for Caroline to stay out of the spotlight. Advertisement Caroline is a regular at PGA Tour events, and Sam has offered the occasional social media post to give fans a glimpse into his family life. On Dec. 20, 2019, Sam revealed the couple got married at Palmetto Bluff located in Bluffton, S.C. Back in 2021, Sam took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message about his wife while celebrating their anniversary. Sam Burns, right, is greeted by his wife, Caroline Burns, after he putted on the 18th hole during the final round of the Sanderson Farms Championship at the Country Club of Jackson in Cook-Imagn Images "Happy 2 years to my bride!" Sam noted in the December 14, 2021, post. "I couldn't imagine doing life without you. "Here's to many more memories together with the most beautiful person I know inside and out. I love you, Caroline Burns!" After the couple got engaged in 2019, Sam and Caroline opened up about their relationship journey in an interview with WJCL News. Advertisement "We grew up in the same hometown but went to different schools and so we didn't start dating until college," Caroline noted in the interview. "But (we have) really known each other forever and... I was his first valentine when we were five years old. So, that's our sweet story." Sam admitted that things felt different with Caroline as the PGA Tour golfer knew their relationship had staying power. "I always kind of knew that she was the one before we started dating, even though we were kind of dating other people," Sam told WJCL. No one is rooting more for a US Open win for Sam than Caroline. Related: Brooks Koepka's Wife Jena Sims Koepka Reveals US Open Inside Access This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 14, 2025, where it first appeared.
Daily Mail
01-06-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
Graduation celebration ends in tragedy as homecoming king is 'killed by his friend in drunk driving crash'
A Minnesota high school graduation celebration ended in tragedy after an alleged drunk driving crash killed the school's homecoming king and left his classmate facing felony charges. Blake Unger, 18, a beloved homecoming king and standout athlete from New York Mills High School, was killed on Tuesday when his classmate, Izak Schermerhorn, also 18, crashed his pickup truck while intoxicated. The two had been celebrating their recent graduation when the fatal accident occurred in Bluffton Township, in the area of County Highway 75 and 640th Avenue. According to authorities, Schermerhorn had consumed three to four Mike's Hard Lemonades before picking up his friend for a late-night drive. Schermerhorn admitted to intentionally fishtailing on a gravel road and claimed he had been showcasing recent modifications to his truck's exhaust. 'Deputy Peterson observed deep ruts in the road where it appeared the driver had been aggressively fishtailing back and forth along the gravel road,' the criminal complaint reads, Fox9 reported. However, Schermerhorn eventually lost control of his truck, causing the vehicle to flip and roll into a ditch and pin Unger underneath. Despite efforts to revive him, Unger was pronounced dead at the scene. Schermerhorn, who had reportedly been sober for a year following a past struggle with alcoholism, expressed deep remorse to deputies, stating, 'I f***ed up' and that his life was over 'for a couple of drinks'. His blood alcohol content was measured at 0.13 - well above the legal limit for drivers of any age. He now faces three counts of criminal vehicular homicide - two for driving under the influence and one for gross negligence. A judge released him on $1,000 bail on Thursday, with conditions including counseling and abstaining from alcohol and drugs. He is scheduled to return to court on June 10. Unger was remembered for his athleticism and leadership, particularly his game-saving interceptions in football and his contributions to the wrestling team. 'It is with a great deal of sadness that I share this message with you … that a member of our school community has passed away in a motor vehicle accident,' District Superintendent Adam Johnson said in a statement to families. 'This is a devastating time for our entire community.' GoFundMe fundraiser has since been created to support the family through their loss.
