The History & Evolution of the Lobster Rolls.

The lobster roll stands as one of Maine’s most iconic culinary treasures. Beloved throughout New England and beyond, this simple yet decadent dish captures the hearts (and taste buds) of Americans who crave tender, sweet lobster nestled in a warm, buttery, toasted roll. While often seen as a luxury item due to its price, few realize the rich history and deep community roots behind it. The lobster roll isn’t just a meal—it’s a story of coastal tradition, resilience, and passion passed down through generations. And perhaps the best way to savor it is not just with your palate, but with an appreciation for where it came from and the people who make it possible.

Surprisingly, lobster wasn’t always considered a delicacy. In colonial times, it was so abundant that it was often referred to as the "cockroach of the sea" and served primarily to prisoners, servants, and the poor. Harvested easily from shallow coastal waters, lobster was once seen as cheap and undesirable. But as time went on, several factors—including overfishing, natural predators, shell disease, and declining populations—led to a dramatic reduction in supply. This scarcity, coupled with growing culinary appreciation, transformed lobster into the prized and expensive ingredient we know today.

Maine lobsters are being sorted into bins to be sold while still on the lobster fishing boat.

Maine was the place where lobster rolls were first produced. English and Portuguese sailors, shipwrights, and fishermen created the lobster claw and knuckles and bread combination. In 1929, Connecticut developed its own interpretation with the first documented lobster roll in Milford, at a restaurant named Perry's, featuring lobster gently bathed in melted butter with a squeeze of lemon. Later on, Maine’s lobster version started to be served chilled, dressed with mayonnaise and occasionally celery or chives. which defined the regional styles that exist today. These different styles define the regional cuisine division that exists today.

Perry's - home of the first hot lobster roll. Watercolor on paper

Beyond its culinary significance, the lobster roll plays a crucial role in Maine’s economy. Approximately 64% of seafood industry jobs in the state come from wild-caught lobster, with around 18,000 jobs depending directly on the lobster industry. Maintaining the popularity of dishes like the lobster roll is not just about preserving tradition, but about sustaining livelihoods and communities that rely on the sea. The Lobster Rolls are a bridge between culture, economy, and identity.

Maine Photograph

Mason's Famous Lobster Rolls serves all versions of the lobster roll that fit into this evolving timeline by respecting its origins and emphasizing quality sourcing and careful preparation. In a food culture shaped by history and regional pride, Mason’s doesn’t just serve a lobster roll; it carries forward a legacy that began on fishing boats, roadside stands, and seaside towns, bringing an authentic taste of New England to every bite.

Visit our store in Falls Church, VA, and experience this history firsthand.