John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

SPRINGFIELD, MO. — John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts (JQH) has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Springfield-based JQH is an owner and manager of hotels throughout the United States featuring brands such as Marriot, Hilton, Embassy Suites, IHG and more. The company is financially sound, but is filing for bankruptcy to restructure the organization and “navigate a litigious environment,” says Jacquie Dowdy, CEO of JQH. According to the Wall Street Journal, the legal battle is a result of a 2005 buyout in which John Hammons sold a portfolio of 43 hotels of hotels to Jonathan Eilian. Under terms of the contract, Hammons received equity interest in the acquiring company, and Eilian received right of first refusal for the sale of the JQH’s remaining 35 hotels. Eilian later sued JQH, claiming the company has made no move to sell those remaining properties. JQH’s Gregg Groves is providing in-house legal counsel in connection with the Chapter 11 filing, and Stinson Leonard Street LLP is providing outside counsel for the restructuring. JQH currently maintains a portfolio of 35 hotels that include 8,500 rooms scattered throughout 16 states.