New Bedford Harbor Hotel Debuts 222 Union Restaurant

A brand new restaurant has officially soft opened inside the New Bedford Harbor Hotel, and it is already turning heads. The restaurant is called 222 Union, and it marks the first time LaFrance Hospitality has merged its restaurant and hotel operations under one roof.

Who Is Behind the New Restaurant?

Michael Dougherty, Regional Director of Operations for LaFrance Hospitality, has been with the company for eight years, starting as general manager of their Holiday Inn Express in Middletown, Rhode Island before moving into his current role.

He explained that 222 Union came together as a true team effort, with Richard LaFrance, his son Chris LaFrance, and kitchen manager Jordan Pittsley all playing a role in building out the menu, along with input from leadership across the company.

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Where Is 222 Union Located?

The restaurant sits right in the lobby of the New Bedford Harbor Hotel. Guests walk through the front doors, pass the front desk and a small lounge area, and find the restaurant and bar spanning roughly half of the lobby space. It seats around 60 people.

Lafrance Hospitality via Facebook

What Is on the Menu?

222 Union offers about eight appetizers, including a hot honey feta dip that Dougherty called one of his personal favorites. The menu also features flatbreads, burgers, and seafood options like a lobster roll, lobster salad, fish and chips, and a scallop dish. Dougherty raved about the fish tacos, which came out in a generous three taco portion.

Photo courtesy of Lafrance Hospitality

Why New Bedford Matters to LaFrance Hospitality

LaFrance Hospitality has a growing footprint in New Bedford, including condos, apartments, and the newly opened New Bedford Harbor Hotel. When the property became available, Dougherty said it was a perfect opportunity to bring both sides of the company together in one space. Essentially, the restaurant is staffed by an all star team of Lafrance workers.

"We were able to cherry-pick the great ones from our surrounding locations," Dougherty said.

What Was the Reaction to the Soft Opening?

The soft opening was limited to family, friends, and corporate staff, but Dougherty said the response was overwhelmingly positive, with reservations running from four thirty in the afternoon until nine at night. He hopes to build strong ties with the nearby Zeiterion Theatre, encouraging theatergoers to make 222 Union part of their night out.