Lafrance Hospitality Company

Press Releases

Lafrance Hospitality Company announces 2010-2011 Community Cares Coupon booklets available

These coupon booklets are available every year through different United Way agencies, as well as other deserving organizations. It is estimated that since their inception over 15 years ago, the Community Cares program has generated well over $250,000 to support programs throughout the area. The coupons are a collaboration between Lafrance Hospitality Company, WSAR, East Bay Newspapers, and the Pepsi Cola Bottling Company. READ MORE

Lafrance Hospitality wins community award

The award for the philanthropic/community business of the year was presented to the family at the annual awards dinner on October 15th, in Boston, Ma. The original nomination was made by Melinda L. Ailes, Sr. Management Counselor of the Mass. Small Business Development Center Network. READ MORE

Groundbreaking in New Bedford

Many dignitaries were on hand August 13, 2009, for the official groundbreaking ceremony for the new Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, which Lafrance Hospitality is developing in the city of New Bedford - right on the waterfront. Along with New Bedford Mayor Scott Lang... READ MORE

Wilton, ME - The Comfort Inn & Suites in Farmington/Wilton, ME wins prestigious 2010 Platinum Hospitality Award

Wilton, ME - The Comfort Inn & Suites in Farmington/Wilton, ME wins prestigious 2010 Platinum Hospitality Award from Choice Hotels International January 16, 2010 - The Comfort Inn & Suites Hotel of Farmington/Wilton, Maine was recently named a recipient of a prestigious 2010 Platinum Hospitality Award from world lodging leader Choice Hotel International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), franchisor of the Choice Hotel Brand. "The Comfort Inn & Suites Farmington/Wilton Hotel's commitment to excellence and outstanding guest service has earned it this well-deserved recognition as one of the best hotels among the Choice Hotel Brand," said Steve Joyce, President and Chief Executive Officer for Choice Hotels. READ MORE

DOVER, NH - Comfort Inn & Suites Earns Gold Status

DOVER, NH - Comfort Inn & Suites Earns Gold Status The Comfort Inn & Suites Hotel of Dover, NH was recently given the prestigious 2010 Gold Hospitality Award from global lodging leader Choice Hotels International, Inc., franchisor of the Comfort Brand. READ MORE

Homewood Suites among brand's best properties

Dover, NH - The Homewood Suites was named among the top performing properties of 2009 for the brand. The results are based on three key components: quality assurance audits measuring cleanliness, condition and brand standards; customer satisfaction scores rating staff service; and the quality of the hotel's physical accommodations. READ MORE

Marriott Fairfield Inn & Suites Opens in New Bedford, MA

June 1, 2010 - Richard Lafrance, President and C.E.O. of Lafrance Hospitality, announced that the Marriott Fairfield Inn & Suites, located at 185 MacArthur Drive, New Bedford - the newest jewel in the hotel group, has opened ahead of schedule in New Bedford, MA. "Everyone involved in the project, from the general contractors, through to our new staff members, have given a tremendous effort to open the hotel in time to server the summer leisure travelers, as well as business clients," said Richard. "We are delighted to announce that reservations can be made by calling the hotel directly, at 774-634-2000, or though the Marriott reservation system at www.marriott.com/ewbfi. Construction took about ten months. The general contractor was Bufftree Building Co. of New Bedford, with planning and construction overseen by Lafrance Hospitality Facilities Director, Sean Lafrance. READ MORE

Lafrance Hospitality Company wins SBA Award

August 12, 2010 - Lafrance Hospitality Company based in Westport, Massachusetts, has been named the U.S. Small Business Administration's 2010 New England and Massachusetts Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Small Business award winner according to an announcement made by Bob Nelson, Massachusetts SBA District Director. READ MORE

ATV Toy Run Toy Dropoff at Comfort Inn & Suites

ATV Toy Run Toy Dropoff at Comfort Inn & Suites The new Comfort Inn & Suites of Farmington/Wilton Maine, proudly announces its association with the Whistle Stop Trail 12th Annual ATV Toy Run to be held September 25th, 2010. The hotel staff challenges area businesses and residents to help them fill a trailer with new toys that will be donated to Western Maine Community Action for children in need. The trailer will be parked near the entrance of the hotel beginning Monday, September 20th through September 25th awaiting the new toy donations. Please help make this year a success. READ MORE

Borges Joins White's of Westport

Westport, MA (October 12, 2010) - Lafrance Hospitality announces that Renee Borges has joined White's of Westport, as Sales and Wedding Consultant. As Sales and Wedding Consultant, Borges will be responsible for developing and servicing new business accounts. "Based on Ms. Borges outstanding career success in sales management and event coordination, we are confident that she will be instrumental in ensuring the continued success of White's of Westport banquet business," said Chris Lafrance, Vice President of Restaurant Operations. READ MORE

Richard Lafrance named Benevolent Entrepreneur

Richard Lafrance, President and C.E.O. of Lafrance Hospitality, was recently named Benevolent Entrepreneur, by the Academic Center for Entrepreneurship, at Bristol Community College. This is the fourth annual entrepreneurship awards ceremony. Mr. Lafrance was nominated by Ms. Melinda Ailes, Regional Director, Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network, with the presentation being made by Mr. Joseph Marshall, of J. Marshall Associates, award recipient in 2007; along with remarks by William Berardi, Director, Academic Center for Entrepreneurship and Dr. John J. Sbrega, President of Bristol Community College. READ MORE

55th Anniversary Employee Reunion

Lafrance Hospitality Company Hosts 55th Anniversary Employee Reunion Westport - It was Easter Sunday, 1955, when the Lafrance Family opened the doors of White's of Westport. Now, 55 years later that event is being commemorated with a very special 'Employee Reunion/Hall of Fame Dinner' on Monday, December 20, 2010. READ MORE

Royal Wedding Breakfast

White's of Westport invites you to attend the Marriage of His Royal Highness William of Wales, K.G., to Miss Catherine Middleton, via Live Telecast, in the Grand Ballroom, on Friday, April 29, 2011 from 5:30 am to 9:00 am. READ MORE

Chris Lafrance - New Board Position

At the Annual Meeting of the United Way of Greater Fall River, Chris Lafrance was elected to the Board of Directors. READ MORE

Marriott Fairfield Names Director of Sales

Lafrance Hospitality today announced that Elizabeth Valois has been appointed director of sales for the Marriott Fairfield Inn & Suites hotel, located at 185 MacArthur Drive, New Bedford, MA 02740. The hotel is celebrating its' first anniversary. As director of sales, Ms. Valois will assist the hotel in all aspects of sourcing and servicing sales activity for the hotel and/or banquet facility. READ MORE

Westport Hampton Inn Names Sales Manager

Lafrance Hospitality announces that Jenney Kendrick has been appointed sales manager for the Hampton Inn, Fall River/Westport, located at 53 Old Bedford Road, Westport, MA 02790. The Hotel is adjacent to White's of Westport, and together they form the Regional Hospitality Center. READ MORE

Waypoint Event Center Names Sales Manager

Lafrance Hospitality is pleased to announce that Susan Gomes has been appointed sales manager of the new Waypoint Event Center, adjacent to the new Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in New Bedford, MA. As director of sales, Gomes will assist the facility in all aspects of sourcing and servicing sales activity for the banquet facility and/or hotel. READ MORE

Community Cares Coupon Booklets Available

Lafrance Hospitality Company announces that the 2011-2012 Community Cares Coupon booklets are available. The coupon booklets are available through different United Way agencies, as well as other deserving organization. READ MORE

Lafrance Hospitality Names Marketing Manager

Westport, MA - Lafrance Hospitality today announced that Merideth J. Milliner has joined the organization in the position of Marketing Manager. Ms. Milliner will be responsible for developing and executing effective marketing programs for the restaurant/banquet division, as well as the hotels. She will also assist in corporate initiatives, such as the Community Cares program, designed to assist local not for profits. READ MORE

Lafrance Hospitality teams with Toys for Tots this Holiday Season

Westport, MA (November 8, 2011) With the arrival of the 2011 holiday season, Lafrance Hospitality Company is teaming up with Toys for Tots to bring Christmas to the less fortunate. LHC is asking those who may be attending a holiday party at any of its facilities to bring a new, unwrapped toy with them. Those who donate will receive a voucher for 2-for-1 dinner in The Galley Grille at White's of Westport. READ MORE

Lafrance Hospitality Names Revenue Manager

Westport, MA (February 20, 2012) - Lafrance Hospitality today announced that Elizabeth Valois has been appointed Hotel Revenue Manager. READ MORE

Fairfield Inn & Suites Names Director of Sales

Fairfield Inn & Suites Names Director of Sales Westport, MA (February 21, 2012) - Lafrance Hospitality today announced that Shelly Perry has been appointed Director of Sales for the Marriott Fairfield Inn & Suites hotel, located at 185 MacArthur Drive, New Bedford, MA 02740. As Director of Sales, Ms. Perry will assist the hotel in all aspects of sourcing and servicing sales activity for the hotel and/or banquet facility (Waypoint Event Center). READ MORE

2012 LHC Bridal Fair a Success!

Westport (February 23, 2012) - Lafrance Hospitality hosted its annual Bridal Show on Sunday, February 12, 2012 at Rachel's Lakeside in Dartmouth. Over 190 brides and grooms had the opportunity to meet 41 exhibitors to gather information and ideas for their upcoming nuptials. READ MORE

Lafrance Hospitality Acquires Eighth Hotel

Lafrance Hospitality Company has announced the acquisition of the Holiday Inn Express, Boston/Milford. This is the eighth hotel property for the Company, and the first under the IHG flag. READ MORE

Lafrance Hospitality Company Opens New Restaurant

Lafrance Hospitality Company has announced the opening of Ten Cousins Brick Oven, located at 977 Main Road, in Westport. Located in the former Fred and Ann's building, the restaurant underwent a complete renovation and is now open for business. Ten Cousins features an Italian made wood-fired oven, a bar, an outdoor patio, flat screen televisions and modern, casual décor. The menu boasts specialty brick oven pizzas, gourmet sandwiches, brick oven wings, spinach & crab dip, jumbo meatballs, soups, salads and more. READ MORE

Richard Lafrance Named Person of the Year by Downtown New Bedford, Inc.

Downtown New Bedford Inc. recognized Richard Lafrance, President and CEO of Lafrance Hospitality Company, as their 2012 Person of the Year during the annual meeting, held at the Waypoint Event Center on October 24, 2012. The award is an annual recognition to a person who has made a positive impact in downtown New Bedford. The DNB, Inc. Board of Directors felt that Richard’s commitment, foresight and bravery in the financial commitment that he and Lafrance Hospitality took in bringing the Fairfield Inn & Suites to New Bedford is tremendous. Tim Burkhardt, Vice President of Hotels, said “Richard has the ability to see a vision of what something could be compared to how it is today, and the motivation to bring it to life.” READ MORE

Lafrance Hospitality Appoints Director of Corporate and Employee Relations

Lafrance Hospitality has announced that Renee Dufour has been appointed Director of Corporate and Employee Relations. As Director, Ms. Dufour will be responsible for providing a full range of generalist human resource services including; staffing, compensation, benefits, employee relations, professional training and development. Renee will also continue to build upon existing relationships in the corporate sector while cultivating new partnerships. READ MORE

Westport Hampton Inn Appoints Directors of Sales

Lafrance Hospitality has announced that Jodi Boland has been appointed Director of Sales for the Hampton Inn, Fall River/Westport, located at 53 Old Bedford Road, Westport, Ma., 02790. The hotel is adjacent to White’s of Westport, and together they form the Regional Hospitality Center. As Director of Sales, Ms. Boland will assist the hotel in all aspects of sourcing and servicing sales activity for the hotel and/or banquet facilities. READ MORE

SEED Selects New Bedford Fairfield Inn & Suites as Small Business of the Year

The South Eastern Economic Development Corporation has selected Lafrance Hospitality’s Fairfield Inn & Suites, located in New Bedford, Massachusetts, as the “Small Business of the Year” for 2012 from a pool of 350 candidates. The hotel is located in the New Bedford Harbor, just a five minute walk from the National Historic Park. READ MORE

Lafrance Hospitality Plans Marriott at Rosebrook Place

Lafrance Hospitality Company of Westport today announced they plan to build a 90-room TownePlace Suites by Marriott at Rosebrook Place: a new, mixed-use development by the A.D. Makepeace Company just off I-495/I-195 in Wareham. READ MORE