Established
2014
Franchise Units
30
Minimum Investment
$350,000
Franchise Fee
$40,000
Total Investment Range
$650,000
Home Based
No
Description
Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls is a fast-growing, premium fast-casual seafood franchise that brings the authentic taste of New England lobster rolls to high-traffic urban and suburban markets across the United States. Built around a simple yet powerful promise—fresh, responsibly sourced lobster served the traditional way—Mason’s has carved out a unique position in the U.S. restaurant franchise space by combining coastal authenticity with modern fast-casual efficiency.
Unlike generic seafood concepts, Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls focuses on a highly differentiated menu anchored by its signature lobster rolls, offering both Connecticut-style (warm with butter) and Maine-style (chilled with mayo). This clear specialization allows the brand to stand out in competitive foodservice markets while maintaining operational simplicity and strong brand recognition.
The franchise has gained traction among both first-time restaurant owners and experienced multi-unit operators due to its streamlined footprint, scalable store model, and strong consumer demand for premium, experience-driven dining. With growing national awareness, a loyal customer base, and a proven franchise system, Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls represents a compelling opportunity in the premium seafood and fast-casual restaurant segment in the USA.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls offers investors a rare blend of premium positioning and operational efficiency. Seafood, particularly lobster, commands high perceived value, allowing franchisees to maintain attractive margins while operating a focused menu.
Key investment advantages include:
-
Strong brand differentiation in the fast-casual seafood category
-
Premium price points supported by authentic sourcing and quality
-
Simple menu structure that reduces kitchen complexity and labor challenges
-
Compact store formats suitable for urban, suburban, and tourist-driven locations
-
Growing consumer demand for elevated fast-casual dining experiences
-
Scalable model with strong potential for multi-unit ownership
Background
Established Year: 2014
Founders: Dan Beckerman and Patrick Cappiello
Franchise Active Units: 30+ locations across the United States
Industry Category: Fast-Casual Restaurant | Premium Seafood Franchise
Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls was founded in Boston, Massachusetts, with a mission to make authentic New England lobster rolls accessible nationwide. The founders combined culinary expertise with brand-driven hospitality to create a concept that delivers premium seafood without the formality of traditional fine dining.
The brand quickly expanded beyond its flagship location, attracting franchise partners in major metropolitan areas, lifestyle centers, and high-foot-traffic corridors. Today, Mason’s operates company-owned and franchised units across multiple U.S. states, with continued expansion focused on high-income and tourism-driven markets.
Ownership remains closely involved in brand development, menu innovation, and franchise support, ensuring consistency and long-term growth. Mason’s has successfully positioned itself as a category-defining lobster roll brand rather than a generic seafood restaurant, strengthening its competitive advantage nationwide.
Support Training
Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls offers a comprehensive franchise support system designed to guide franchisees from site selection through long-term operations.
Pre-Launch Support
-
Site selection guidance and demographic analysis
-
Lease review and store layout recommendations
-
Assistance with vendor sourcing and supply chain setup
-
Pre-opening marketing and local launch planning
Training & Operations
-
In-depth initial training program covering food preparation, quality standards, and operational systems
-
Hands-on management training for owners and key staff
-
Standardized operating procedures and recipe systems
-
Food safety, inventory control, and labor management training
Marketing & Brand Support
-
National brand marketing initiatives
-
Local store marketing strategies and promotional calendars
-
Digital marketing guidance including social media and local advertising
-
Ongoing creative assets and brand compliance tools
Ongoing Support
-
Dedicated franchise support team
-
Operational reviews and performance benchmarking
-
New product development and seasonal menu innovation
-
Continued education and franchise network collaboration
Ideal Candidate
Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls is best suited for entrepreneurs and investors who value brand integrity, customer experience, and operational excellence.
Ideal candidates typically include:
-
First-time restaurant owners seeking a proven, focused concept
-
Multi-unit franchise operators expanding into premium fast-casual dining
-
Investors with hospitality, foodservice, or retail management experience
-
Owner-operators passionate about quality food and customer engagement
-
Candidates with strong local market knowledge and leadership skills
Franchisees should have the financial capacity to support a premium build-out and working capital needs, along with a hands-on or semi-absentee management approach depending on the ownership structure.
Preferred locations include high-traffic urban centers, lifestyle shopping districts, tourist destinations, and affluent suburban markets throughout the United States.
Financial Detail
| Cost Category | Estimated Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $350,000 – $650,000 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital | $150,000 – $200,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $40,000 |
| Build-Out & Infrastructure | $180,000 – $300,000 |
| Equipment & Kitchen Setup | $90,000 – $140,000 |
| Initial Inventory | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Marketing & Grand Opening | $15,000 – $25,000 |
| Working Capital | $30,000 – $60,000 |