After an overwhelming number of requests from tourists and locals to bring lobster rolls to the Oceanfront, a second Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls opened in Virginia Beach just before Labor Day.
Franchisees Deborah and Craig Leonard and their sons, Wes and Colt, opened the new restaurant on Aug. 31 in a 2,600-square-foot building at the corner of Atlantic Avenue and 7th Street near the Turtle Cay Resort.
“It’s been wonderful. … The response has been overwhelming,” Wes Leonard said.
Formerly a Sunsations souvenir and gift shop, Wes Leonard said they had a clean slate for their newest location that boasts the growing franchise’s largest indoor dining area, outdoor seating and expanded bar options.
The family signed on together as franchisees after falling in love with the Annapolis, Maryland-based brand five years ago. They opened their first location on Shore Drive last November in the former free-standing Sugar Shack location.
Founded in 2014, the fast-casual restaurant serves four different New England-style lobster rolls — classic, Connecticut, lobster BLT and lobster salad — all sourced from Maine lobster.
“One of the things that I fell in love with was the simplicity of this brand,” Wes Leonard said. “And the simplicity is great because it allows you to be consistent. Every visit and every classic roll will look and taste the same.”
The limited menu also includes clam chowder and lobster bisque and side choices of chips, coleslaw and potato salad.
Moving forward, the Leonard family are in discussions for two more Virginia Beach locations including one at Town Center before they expand Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls into Chesapeake.
Sandra J. Pennecke, 757-652-5836, sandra.pennecke@insidebiz.com
