Civically Ambitious New Owner for Hotel Fauchere
The Hotel Fauchere made one of few transitions to a new owner in its 170-year history on Sept. 17. Milford Mayor Sean Strub sold the hotel and 403 Broad St., the more casual restaurant next door, to William Rosado, who also recently acquired Milford Theatre, Forest Hall and Tom Quick Inn, down the block on Broad St.
The Tom Quick Inn had been sparsely used for several years but now looks freshly festive, with bright colors and diners chatting on the porch. Strub expects Rosado to give such attention to the Fauchere.
“I'm glad that we found a steward for the hotel who cares deeply about Milford, has a history of philanthropy in our community and is dedicated to honoring and enhancing the Hotel Fauchere's 167 year legacy,” said Strub. “Bill Rosado has put together a strong team, and I know they will do a great job with the Fauchere.”
The Fauchere was founded in 1852 by Louis Fauchere, a Swiss immigrant, who was a chef at the Delmonico Restaurant in Manhattan, the first restaurant there, according to author William Grimes. After Fauchere died, his descendants owned and operated the Faucchere until 1976. The building then fell into disrepair after the family fought over whether to preserve or modernize it and finally auctioned it off, according to Michelle Chol, a member of the Fauchere family.
It was used for offices and then mostly empty until 2001, when Strub and Dick Snyder bought and renovated the property, making it a luxury destination. Since then, the hotel has been Milford’s elegant hub, with its series of creative chefs and frequent cultural events—art exhibits, award ceremonies, political gatherings and presentations, whether about the future of cars or the adventures of a woman exploring tribal cultures and being captured in New Guinea.
“I'm proud that Dick Snyder and I could restore and revive the hotel and return it to its traditional position as a culinary, social, economic and cultural hub of our community,” Strub said.
When Snyder died suddenly in 2014, uncertainty about the Fauchere’s future hovered, but Strub gained ownership. He declined to disclose the Fauchere sale price or what exactly he plans to do with his newfound time.
“I have plenty of things I am working on, including my mayoral responsibilities, and expect to be involved in some new projects in Milford in the near future,” he said.
At the Milford Welcome Party, he auctioned off contributed gifts that brought $100,000 to the Milford Enhancement Committee, over which he presides.
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