The Common Man Family

What The Common Man Family does

The Common Man Family is a privately held, founder-led hospitality company headquartered in Plymouth, New Hampshire, operating since 1971. It runs a diversified portfolio of 17 restaurants, four Inns (with on-site dining), two retail stores, an event center, and roadside convenience/gas locations — all within New Hampshire. The portfolio spans multiple restaurant concepts: full-service American comfort food (Common Man brand across Lincoln, Ashland, Concord, Claremont, Merrimack, and Windham), four 50s-style retro diners (Airport Diner, Route 104 Diner, Tilt'n Diner, Lincoln Diner), specialty waterfront and Italian restaurants (Lago, Lakehouse Grille, Camp, Town Docks, Italian Farmhouse, Foster's Boiler Room), boutique inns with 73+ rooms total, the Barn on the Pemi event venue, the Common Man Company Store, and the I-93 Hooksett Welcome Center partnership (public-private with the State of NH) featuring food courts, NH Liquor & Wine Outlets, Irving fuel stations, and Tesla charging.

The business runs on standard restaurant point-of-sale, online ordering (via DoorDash integration), and owned e-commerce platforms for gift cards (shop.thecman.com) — there is no proprietary technology platform. Revenue is generated through direct-to-consumer transactions across five streams: (1) per-transaction restaurant dining, (2) professional-services catering and event venue rental, (3) retail merchandise, (4) gift card sales (physical and electronic, prepaid multi-visit), and (5) room rentals at inn properties and lodging sites. Pricing is unit-based, publicly undisclosed at the menu level, with examples including a $30.99 prime rib dinner and $10 benefit-dinner meals, plus a standardized $25-per-organization charitable donation policy.

The customer base is horizontal and consumer-led: local New Hampshire residents and families (primary), tourists and I-93 travelers, wedding and corporate event planners, and nonprofit organizations for fundraising partnerships. Marketing is entirely direct, relying on social media (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X), the Common Source email newsletter, organic website content including The Common Kitchen recipe platform, and earned media through regional outlets (WMUR-TV, NH Union Leader, Business NH Magazine). Each location runs community fundraisers as part of a formalized "Do Good" philosophy, with employees receiving paid Community Service Days.

Name

The Common Man Family

Legal name

The Common Man Family and Great American Dining

Website

https://thecman.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1971

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

The Common Man Family is a privately held, founder-led New Hampshire hospitality company operating since 1971 across 17 restaurants, four inns, two retail stores, an event center, and roadside convenience locations, serving local residents, tourists, and event planners through direct-to-consumer dining, lodging, catering, and retail channels.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Hospitality and Restaurant Services

NAICS

Full-Service Restaurants (722511), Hotels (except Casino Hotels) and Motels (72111)

SIC

Retail-Eating & Drinking Places (5810), Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000)

akta.pro primary industry

Family-Style Restaurants (THAFACAC)

akta.pro secondary industry

Hotel & Resort Restaurants (THAFACAH)

Keywords

• Full-service restaurants
• Diner restaurants
• Lodging and dining
• Event catering venues
• Convenience retail

Headquarters

HQ city

Ashland

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Restaurant Dining: The primary revenue stream comes from food and beverage sales across 17 restaurants, 4 Inns with on-site dining, and multiple event venues. Locations range from casual diners to upscale dining, generating recurring per-transaction revenue from dine-in guests.
2. Catering & Events: The Barn on the Pemi, Lakehouse Grille, and other venues host weddings, private events, and corporate functions, generating event catering and venue rental revenue.
3. Retail Sales: The Common Man Company Store in Ashland and its online counterpart (shop.thecman.com) sell merchandise including fudge, penny candy, NH-made gifts, clothing, and branded items, generating direct retail revenue.
4. Gift Cards: Sale of physical and electronic gift cards across all locations and online, creating a prepaid revenue stream that drives future redemption.
5. Inn & Lodging: Common Man Inn & Spa Plymouth (38 rooms), Common Man Inn Claremont (35 rooms), The Lodge, The Ranch, and Tiny Guest Houses generate room rental revenue.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The Common Man Family operates a portfolio of New Hampshire hospitality businesses including 17 restaurants (full-service, diners, and specialty concepts), 4 inns with a spa, event venues, retail stores, and convenience stores. Founded in 1971, the company provides dining, lodging, catering, and hospitality services to consumers across the state.

Product overview

The Common Man Family is a hospitality company operating 17 restaurants, four Inns, a Spa, two stores, and event venues across New Hampshire. The portfolio includes six Common Man full-service restaurants, four 50's-style diners, six specialty waterfront and Italian restaurants, boutique lodging properties, The Flying Monkey entertainment venue, The Barn on the Pemi event center, retail stores, and Common Man Roadside convenience locations. The company also operates The Common Kitchen online recipe platform and manages charitable initiatives including the Common Man for Ukraine Relief Fund. Founded in 1971 in Ashland, NH by Alex Ray, the company employs more than 650 people and is known for its 'Do Good' community-focused mantra.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• The Common Man Restaurant: Core American comfort food restaurant brand with multiple locations across New Hampshire
• The Common Man Inns
• Common Man Diners
• Common Man Roadside
• The Common Kitchen
• Common Man for Ukraine
• Common Man Ukraine Relief Fund

Products and services

• Common Man Restaurants Full-service restaurants offering casual American fare at multiple locations across New Hampshire, serving families, travelers, and local diners with a consistent brand experience.
• Common Man Diners Diner-format restaurants serving classic diner fare including breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a casual, family-friendly setting at multiple New Hampshire locations.
• Common Man Specialty Restaurants Specialty and elevated dining concepts offering varied cuisines and atmospheres for special occasions, date nights, and destination dining in New Hampshire.
• Common Man Inns Lodging properties including inns with spa amenities (Plymouth), additional inns (Claremont), The Lodge, and The Ranch, providing overnight accommodations for travelers and guests of the restaurants and event venues.
• The Barn on the Pemi Event venue hosting weddings, private parties, corporate events, and celebrations with on-site catering and event coordination services.
• The Common Man Company Store and New Berry's on the Common Retail stores offering branded merchandise, gifts, apparel, and specialty products for consumers and gift purchasers.
• Common Man Roadside Convenience retail stores offering grab-and-go food, beverages, and everyday essentials for travelers and local consumers across New Hampshire.
• Catering & Events Services Catering and event services provided off-premise and at venue locations for private gatherings, corporate functions, and special occasions.
• Common Man Gift Cards Gift cards usable at participating Common Man Family restaurants, diners, and venues for consumer gifting and personal use.

Quantifiable outcome

• More than 50% employee retention rate for 10+ year tenures in an industry known for high turnover
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Pemi-Valley Habitat for HumanitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2026The Common Man donated The Flying Monkey Movie House & Performance Center to Pemi-Valley Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit that will continue entertainment operations while using proceeds to build affordable housing for low- and middle-income residents in 27 towns around the Pemi-Valley and Lakes Region. All Flying Monkey employees will stay on under nonprofit leadership.
• Brave SelectionscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 May 2026Brave Selections of Rhode Island imported Villa Tinta Odesa wines from Ukraine for distribution across the US, with $2 per bottle donated to Common Man for Ukraine. Brave Selections was founded specifically to support Ukrainian wine culture and the families behind it.
• Martignetti CompaniesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 May 2026Martignetti Companies distributed Odesa wines (Villa Tinta) from Brave Selections to NH Liquor & Wine Outlets and Common Man restaurants across New Hampshire.
• World Central KitchencoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2024The Common Man partnered with World Central Kitchen for hurricane relief efforts following Hurricanes Helene and Milton in late 2024. The company matched guest donations up to $100,000 combined for both World Central Kitchen and American Red Cross. Donations totaled $27,514.14 to World Central Kitchen after matching.
• American Red CrosscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2024The Common Man matched guest donations for American Red Cross hurricane relief efforts, raising $65,074.16 (after matching) for disaster relief. The Red Cross provided ongoing updates on relief operations in hurricane-affected areas.
• Granite United WaycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2022Granite United Way served as the fiscal agent for the NH Relief for Ukraine Fund, enabling secure donation processing and fund distribution. The partnership facilitated the transfer of donations to Polish Rotary District #2331 for distribution to Ukrainian refugees and those in war-torn Ukraine. Granite United Way is a merger of 6 local United Ways serving most of New Hampshire and Windsor County, Vermont, engaging 1 in 3 NH residents annually as donors, volunteers, or program beneficiaries.
• Plymouth Rotary Club and Warsaw Rotary ClubcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2022Rotary Clubs of Plymouth, NH and Warsaw, Poland partnered with The Common Man family and Alex Ray to deliver humanitarian aid to Ukraine. Polish Rotary District #2331 managed fund distribution to ensure funds reached intended purposes. Club members traveled to Poland and Ukraine to assess needs and deliver supplies.
• WMUR-TVminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 May 2022WMUR-TV served as a media partner for the NH Relief for Ukraine Fund campaign, helping spread awareness of the statewide fundraising effort alongside iHeart Media, Granite United Way, NH Fisher Cats, and Rotary Clubs.
• iHeart MediaminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 May 2022iHeart Media partnered with The Common Man on the NH Relief for Ukraine Fund campaign to amplify awareness of the fundraising effort across New Hampshire.
• New Hampshire Fisher CatsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 May 2022The New Hampshire Fisher Cats (minor league baseball team) partnered on the NH Relief for Ukraine Fund, hosting a benefit night that raised more than $10,000, with 50% of ticket sales and 100% of 50/50 raffle proceeds donated.
• Harvard Pilgrim Health CareminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2020Harvard Pilgrim Health Care partnered with The Common Man and NH Magazine on the Meals of Thanks program, providing more than 700 meals to NH neighbors in need for Thanksgiving 2020. Meals were distributed to The Way Home in Manchester and area food pantries through the NH Food Bank.
• Rotary Clubs of New HampshirecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2020Mask Up NH was a partnership between The Common Man family and Rotary Clubs of New Hampshire to distribute 67,000+ breathable, washable, reusable cloth face masks free of charge to Granite State residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Common Man's antique trolley served as the 'MaskMobile' for community distribution stops.
• Rusty McLear / Mill Falls at the LakecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2015Longtime strategic partner Rusty McLear co-developed multiple properties with The Common Man family, including: the Inn at Bay Point and Boathouse Grille (1994, later transformed into Lago), Camp restaurant at The Chase House at Mill Falls (1998), the public-private partnership for NH Welcome Centers on I-93 (2013-2015), and Common Man Inn & Restaurant Claremont (2009) converting decrepit brick mills into hospitality properties.
• State of New HampshirecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2013The Common Man entered a public-private partnership with the State of New Hampshire in October 2013 to transform the NH Welcome Centers on I-93 in Hooksett. The project delivered new Common Man Roadside food courts (10,000 sq ft), 20,000 sq ft NH Liquor & Wine Outlets, 3,000 sq ft interactive visitor centers, NH General Stores, 16 Irving fuel stations, Tesla charging stations, and 300+ parking spaces per direction. Northbound center named for late Executive Councilor Raymond S. Burton.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Hilton Worldwide: Global lodging operator. Broad incumbent comparable for the Common Man Inns' lodging economics, distribution benchmarks, and franchise option-set as The Common Man considers scaling.
• Darden Restaurants: Large multi-concept full-service restaurant operator (Olive Garden, LongHorn, Capital Grille). Comparable in structure (multi-brand full-service operator) and as a reference point for full-service restaurant unit economics and cost discipline.
• Bloomin' Brands: Multi-concept restaurant operator (Outback, Carrabba's, Bonefish). Useful broad incumbent comparable for portfolio restaurant management and casual-casual full-service operations.
• Marriott International: Global lodging franchisor and operator. Applicable broad-incumbent comparable for lodging unit performance and benchmarking Common Man Inns against branded lodging economics.
• Cracker Barrel: Country-store + restaurant hybrid operator. Comparable to Common Man Roadside's convenience-store-plus-food concept and to the multi-store retail/food adjacency.

Regional players

• Woodstock Inn Brewery: Upper Valley (NH/VT) hospitality operator combining lodging, restaurant, and brewpub operations — directly comparable multi-concept family in northern New England with overlapping event and tourism exposure.
• LaBelle Winery: New Hampshire winery with restaurant, wedding/event venue, and on-site lodging — directly comparable to Common Man's event-and-hospitality platform and competing for the same wedding and corporate-event market in NH.
• The Meadow (Brook Farm Project / Stonewall Farm venues): NH-based rustic event and wedding venue adjacent to Common Man's Barn on the Pemi; comparable for the events and lodging adjacency, though narrower scope.

Direct peers

• Lindley Hospitality Group: New England-based multi-concept restaurant and events operator. Comparable to Common Man as a founder-led, multi-unit hospitality group serving regional markets with diversified formats.
• Bedford Village Inn: New Hampshire-based hospitality operator combining a historic inn, fine dining restaurant, and wedding/event venues. Closely comparable to Common Man's lodging-plus-events-plus-restaurant stack in the same regional market.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/thecommonmannh
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/TheCommonManFamilyNH
• Facebookfacebook.com/thecommonmannh
• Instagraminstagram.com/thecommonmannh
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-common-man-family

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Subsidiaries25 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Common Man Family