Richard is Chairman of Lafrance Hospitality, a Westport-based company established in 1946 when his parents, company founders Aime and Rita Lafrance, purchased a small diner in Fall River. As of now, Richard leads a multi-generational family business which develops and manages multi-brand hotels throughout New England and Florida. The hotel brand partners include Hilton, Marriott, IHG, and Choice properties. Lafrance Hospitality also owns and operates several independent restaurants, catering services, and function facilities in and around the south coast of Massachusetts. White’s of Westport, the company’s flagship restaurant, has been hosting meetings and events since 1955.
A graduate of the University of Notre Dame in 1968, Richard has been blessed with the opportunity to have leadership roles in the Greater Fall River and New Bedford communities. Some of these roles have been Chairman of Bank Five, board member of United Way, Nativity School, Bishop Connolly High School, Steppingstone Inc., St. Anne’s Hospital, and the Diocesan Catholic Foundation. Also, he has been an advisory board participant on the President’s Council at Southcoast Hospital, Charlton College of Business, and is a former member of the UMass Dartmouth Chancellor’s Council.
Richard has been honored to receive awards from the area Chamber of Commerce and several community organizations. A torch bearer for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics was indeed a highlight.
As a growing four-generation-involved business, Richard delights in mentoring his family members who now have key roles in the company. Along with his wife, Muriel, he cherishes his time with their ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.