Beloved East Coast 'Luke's Lobster' Shack Coming To SF

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Luke’s Lobster, a casual-atmosphere, seafood chain that opened in New York City's East Village in 2009, plans to launch its first West Coast shack at 92 2nd St. in San Francisco’s SOMA district in late summer or early fall.

“Choosing San Francisco for our first West Coast location was an easy decision,” said third-generation lobsterman and company founder Luke Holden. “It is a city with a long established culinary scene and love of seafood, with an appreciation and focus on knowing your source, from farmer to fishermen."

Holden and partner Ben Conniff operate Luke’s Lobster, a Maine-bred seafood firm that prides itself on "serving the best tasting seafood, sourced responsibly and prepared simply to let the quality of the product shine through."

The exact harbor where every lobster, crab and shrimp is caught is recorded each day, an operation that begins on the docks of Luke’s fishermen partners in Maine and Canada, then the catches are brought to Luke’s Lobster Seafood Co. in Saco, Maine where it is separated, size-graded, steamed, picked and packed -- all by hand -- before being sent to Luke’s Lobster shacks nationwide.

Luke's has expanded rapidly from its first East Village shack to numerous locations, including in Boston, Miami, Philadelphia, Chicago, Las Vegas, Japan and Taiwan, serving up its signature crab, lobster and shrimp rolls. ( Can't choose? No problem: "Luke's Trio" offers a half-roll of each!) Also on the menu are salads, clam chowder, lobster bisque and such sides as poppy seed slaw. (See sample of menu here.)

Luke’s Lobster’s SOMA location also will feature exclusive items from local partners, according to management.

In 2018, Luke’s Lobster became a certified B Corporation®, a distinction that emphasizes corporate focus on social and environmental problems.

"These values align with our own commitment to know our seafood and help you know yours through our harbor-to-guest transparency," Holden said. "We are very excited to bring the world’s best lobster to the West Coast.”

Stay tuned for details on the SF opening. Follow Luke's Lobster here on Facebook.

IN OTHER RESTAURANT NEWS:

• Mexico City-Inspired Restaurant To Open In South Bay
• New Mediterranean Restaurant Opens In Silicon Valley

ALSO COMING UP NEARBY:

• 'Hunchback Of Notre Dame' Musical: San Francisco
• Korean War 65th Anniversary Commemoration: USS Hornet, Alameda
• 2018 Kite Festival: Free In Berkeley
• Downtown Art & Wine Faire 2018: Alameda
• Pacific Paradise Gala 2018: Filoli Estate, Woodside

--Images Luke's signature crab, lobster, and shrimp rolls, and Gerry Cushman (right) from Port Clyde, ME and his sternman, who catch for Luke's Lobster.