PLYMOUTH, N.H.-The Common Man, a familiar restaurant chain in New Hampshire, has opened its first Inn. Alex Ray’s company began in 1971 with the Ashland Common Man. Since this opening there have been nine others: Windham Common Man, Concord Common Man, Lincoln Common Man, Italian Farmhouse, Boathouse Grille, Tilt’n Diner, Town Docks, Greenhouse (at the Italian Farmhouse), and now Foster’s Steakhouse. These restaurants all have unique historic appeals. The new Common Man Inn, linked with Foster’s Steakhouse, is no different.
The site was originally Foster’s Mill. Two brothers opened the mill and produced birch paddle products such as tongue depressors, and paint stirrers in 1906. The doors were closed in February of 2001. Ray then bought the site in December, and started construction in January 2002. Due to the building’s durable structure, they didn’t have to demolish anything. The only part of the original building not linked to the hotel is the warehouse. Ray sold it because it was no longer part of the construction plans.
The building is a combination of a mill and a hotel. The old chimney, brick walls, and other mill architectures are all mixed in with the constructions of the lobby, restaurant, spa, and lounge. The historic features of the original building, like most of his other restaurants, play a roll in what makes the Common Man chain unique.Karen, the Innkeeper and Ray’s daughter, describes the hotel’s location as an ideal find. “It sits with the White Mountains on one side and New Hampshire’s lakes on the other.” The spa was added to make the Inn a destination spot. This will attract vacationers to stop by and enjoy not only the Plymouth area but the hotel as well.
The opening day was August 30 for the guestrooms. Foster’s Steak house, however, opened on September 19. However, there is still ongoing construction around the pools and other parts of the building.
Foster’s Steakhouse is a low-key Common Man branch. This restaurant is set in a vast room with the old mill architecture and windowed doors framing a mountain view. There are five lounges, which are complimented with old mill elements, such as the old metal chimney, which has a restored brick fireplace at its base.
This new construction has created more job opportunities in the small town of Plymouth. Karen advised that though they had filled most of their jobs they were always taking applications for positions.