ATLANTA — Steve Romaniello, president and chief operating officer of U.S. Franchise Systems, Inc., (USFS) resigned Jan. 2, 2002. He will be leaving the hospitality industry to accept the position as president/franchise and food service of Carvel Corporation. Commenting on his departure, Mike Leven,CEO of USFS said, “Steve was one of the founding executives of USFS six years ago. He has worked with me for 12 years and has been a friend and confidant for most of his adult life. The industry will miss his contributions. He will leave here with all the good wishes of those who are associated with him.” Effective immediately, Mike Leven will reassume the duties of president of USFS while maintaining both the roles of CEO and chairman. USFS finished the year 2001 with 500 open hotels worldwide— 250 Microtel Inns & Suites; 126 Hawthorn Suites; and 124 Best Inns & Suites.
