"Opening in Santa Monica on October 24, 2024, I see this East Coast chain bringing chilled New England–style lobster rolls served on a toasted, buttered split-top bun topped with a touch of mayo, a drizzle of lemon butter, and a proprietary seasoning blend laced with celery salt. In addition to lobster, I note shrimp and crab rolls served with chips and a soft drink, a flight of three two-ounce servings, and a lobster roll sampler featuring lemon butter-, spicy honey butter-, and truffle butter-topped rolls. Non-roll options include clam chowder, lobster bisque, and a poppyseed slaw; the Santa Monica spot also offers beer and wine and a kids menu. Founded in 2009 by third-generation lobsterman Luke Holden with Ben Conniff and Jeff Holden from a 250-square-foot East Village storefront, the company has expanded to cities including Boston and San Francisco and international locations, and emphasizes sustainable, transparent sourcing with lobster caught off Maine and Canada (including size limits and returning egg-bearing females) and a production facility in Saco, Maine that purchases and steams lobsters on-site. The Santa Monica location is at 200 Santa Monica Boulevard and is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m." - Rebecca Roland