Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls: Bringing Authentic Maine Flavor to the Fast-Casual Scene

Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls is a fast-casual seafood franchise known for serving authentic Maine lobster rolls. The brand was founded in 2014 by Dan Beck in Annapolis, Maryland. Headquartered in Annapolis, it began franchising in 2016 and has since expanded across the United States and internationally, including a location in Milan, Italy.

The franchise focuses on 100% wild-caught Maine lobster, offering popular menu items such as the Classic Roll, Connecticut Roll, and Lobster BLT. Guests can also enjoy complementary options like shrimp rolls, lobster bisque, clam chowder, and lobster mac & cheese.

The brand stands out for its commitment to quality, simplicity, and traditional preparation methods.

What sets Mason’s apart is its ability to deliver a luxury food item in a relaxed, casual dining environment. The business model is streamlined and efficient, with no prior restaurant experience required and an ideal footprint of 700 to 1,200 square feet.

Training

Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls provides a thorough training program to help new franchisees effectively manage their restaurant operations. The training includes both educational instruction and hands-on experience, ensuring a strong foundation in brand and operational standards.

1. Pre-Opening Training Program
   Franchisees are required to attend a pre-opening training program before launching their restaurant. While Mason’s does not charge a fee for the training itself, franchisees are responsible for any travel and lodging expenses incurred.
2. Operational and Systems Training
   The training covers essential topics including point-of-sale system use, food preparation, customer service standards, and brand compliance. Franchisees are expected to become proficient in the systems designated by Mason’s, including Toast POS and associated business management tools.
3. Ongoing Support and Guidance
   Beyond initial training, franchisees receive ongoing operational guidance. Mason’s provides continuous updates through manuals and periodic communications, ensuring that franchisees stay aligned with current practices and expectations.

Territory Protection

Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls grants franchisees a Designated Territory upon approval of a restaurant location. This territory is defined within the Franchise Agreement and identifies the geographic boundaries where the franchisee has the right to operate their specific restaurant.

Once approved, the franchisor commits not to operate or license another Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls restaurant within that Designated Territory. However, territory protection is contingent upon full compliance with the franchise terms, including the timely opening of the restaurant. If the franchisee fails to secure an approved location or meet development milestones, the franchisor retains the right to terminate the agreement.

For multi-unit developers, each restaurant is individually assigned a territory only after site approval, and no blanket exclusivity applies across the development area unless explicitly granted.