Put to: Greg Duff, with Michelle Russo or Chad Sorensen addressing transition execution.
Why it matters to buyers: In his October 14, 2026 commentary, hotelier Robert A. Rauch emphasizes performance termination, sale rights, budget approval, audit access and technology provisions. These are practitioner negotiation priorities—not a statement of rights automatically available under a particular agreement. (hotel-online.com)
Draft framing of a good answer: Ask counsel to work through an actual downside scenario using the proposed agreement. Identify when performance testing begins, the applicable metrics, whether multiple failures must occur together, cure rights, exclusions, notice deadlines and dispute procedures.
Separately examine termination on sale, lender rights, assignment, key-money repayment and the cost of leaving related systems or services. Ask how reservations, deposits, employee arrangements, intellectual property and permitted data access transfer to a replacement.
The answer should distinguish a contractual right from the practical ability to exercise it without interrupting trading.
Sharp follow-up: “Assume the hotel misses the agreed operating case for two years. Show the earliest exit date, every required step and the estimated cash cost.”
Evidence to request: Clause-referenced termination checklist and a costed transition plan reviewed by qualified counsel.
Interview status: No expert response has been recorded.