Logan Matthew Debrocke, Methuen resident and son of Tracey Debrocke and Robert Debrocke, graduated from Cotting School in Lexington on June 6 as a member of the 132nd graduating class. Logan received The John Chaves Award, which recognizes a graduate who serves as a role model for others and will pursue continued education or work toward independence after graduation. He will be attending UMass Lowell in the fall.Founded in 1893, Cotting School serves students ages 3-22 with a broad spectrum of learning and communication disabilities, physical challenges and complex medical conditions. Its mission is to empower students with disabilities to achieve their highest learning potential and level of independence.&nbsp;

Essex County

Essex

Methuen Town

Massachusetts

Methuen resident graduates from Cotting School

Logan Matthew Debrocke, Methuen resident and son of Tracey Debrocke and Robert Debrocke, graduated from Cotting School in Lexington on June 6 as a...

Rockingham County

Tony Schinella

Boston Metropolitan Area

Salem

New Hampshire

Chris Rhatigan 

Andover

North Andover

Windham

Middlesex County

Tewksbury

North Reading

Wilmington

Chelmsford

Londonderry

Reading

Pauli's

Thirteen years ago, on what should have been just another quiet Fourth of July weekend, a small family-run sandwich shop in Boston’s North End made a decision that would change its future forever. Without a big advertising budget. Without a marketing department. Without knowing whether anyone would even care. The Barker family built a lobster roll so ridiculously oversized that it made people stop, laugh, argue and, most importantly, pay attention. They called it the USS Lobstitution. What happened next became part of Boston food lore.
The first story appeared in the neighborhood newspaper (North End Patch). The idea was celebrated by some and criticized by others. A rival restaurant questioned the audacity of using so much of New England’s most treasured ingredient for what many dismissed as a publicity stunt. But the debate only fueled the story. One television station became several. Food writers took notice. National media soon followed. Before long, the little sandwich shop tucked into Boston’s North End had become one of America’s most recognizable destinations for lobster rolls.
That one outrageous idea transformed Pauli’s.
Over the next thirteen years, the family-owned restaurant became a fixture on national television, including shows like the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and Good Morning America, while earning coverage from countless local, national and international news outlets. More importantly, it established an identity that still defines the restaurant today: if customers loved something, Pauli’s wasn’t afraid to dream a little bigger.
As imitators emerged over the years, the family never stopped innovating. The original USS Lobstitution eventually gave way to the six-foot, 15-pound Lobzilla, once again capturing headlines and reminding people where the oversized lobster roll phenomenon began.
Today, thirteen years after the sandwich that changed everything, the Barker family returned to where the story started. Standing proudly in front of the USS Constitution, the historic ship that inspired its name, family members and employees gathered to unveil the USS Lobstitution 2.0. A new 15-foot long lobster roll overflowing with approximately 20 pounds of fresh lobster meat, it is the biggest lobster roll Pauli’s has ever created.
But for the Barker family, the sandwich represents far more than size. It represents the belief that a small family business with a bold idea can compete with anyone. It represents every early morning, every late night, every risk taken and every obstacle overcome over the past thirteen years. And perhaps most importantly, it is a reminder that originality cannot be manufactured.
“As we’ve watched restaurants unveil their own giant lobster rolls over the years, we’ve never been upset,”
said Paul Barker, owner of Pauli’s. “If anything, we’ve been proud. It told us that one crazy idea from a little family business in Boston made people think differently. But every once in a while it’s important to remind people where that idea began.”
He continued, “We didn’t have investors. We didn’t have a giant marketing budget. We just believed that if we were willing to work harder, think bigger and have a little fun, people might notice. Thirteen years later, we’re still here, and we’re still dreaming bigger.”
While the USS Lobstitution 2.0 is available for large private parties, corporate gatherings and special events ($1,999.99 USD) Serves 80-100, the Barker family says the biggest sandwich they’ve ever built isn’t just about making headlines.
Throughout the remainder of 2026, as Boston celebrates its 250th anniversary, Pauli’s will donate several USS Lobstitution 2.0 sandwiches to military service members, veterans and first responders as a way of thanking the people who dedicate their lives to serving others.
“It felt right,” Barker said. “The original USS Lobstitution was inspired by one of America’s greatest symbols, the USS Constitution. As we celebrate this country’s 250th birthday, we wanted this anniversary to stand for something bigger than us.”
Thirteen years ago, the USS Lobstitution introduced America to a family business that refused to think small.
Today, the Barker family isn’t simply unveiling an even bigger lobster roll. They’re celebrating the idea that imagination will always outlast imitation, that passion can still outperform marketing budgets, and that sometimes the biggest stories begin in the smallest kitchens. Pauli’s is the 2026 Best of Boston winner for Best Gigantic Lobster Roll presented by Boston magazine and is ensuring they honor that title. 
For more information please visit: <a href="https://paulisnorthend.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://paulisnorthend.com/</a>

Local Event: The Lobster Roll That Changed Everything: Thirteen Years Later, Pauli’s Unveils USS Lobstitution 2.0

Suffolk County

North End

The Lobster Roll That Changed Everything:...

 Thirteen years ago, on what should have been just another quiet Fourth of July weekend, a small family-run sandwich shop in...

The Lobster Roll That Changed Everything: Thirteen Years Later, Pauli’s Unveils USS Lobstitution 2.0

Canobie Lake Park

All-day park festivities featuring "Semiquincentennial Fireworks" over Canobie Lake. Events start at 3 p.m.

Local Event: Semiquincentennial Fireworks Over Canobie Lake July 4

Semiquincentennial Fireworks Over Canobie Lake...

All-day park festivities featuring "Semiquincentennial Fireworks" over Canobie Lake. Events start at 3 p.m. 

Semiquincentennial Fireworks Over Canobie Lake July 4

Beverly Sewing and Vacuum

Basic sewing machine repair &amp; tuneup $139.  Computerized $199.   Authorized Janome, Necchi, Singer, Pfaff &amp; Viking Husqvarna dealer &amp; repair. PQ1600S is a high-speed straight stitching machine only $999. Authorized Brother Sewing Machine dealer.  Cutie breeze Quilting Frame $599.

Beverly

Basic sewing machine repair & tuneup $139.  Computerized $199.   Authorized Janome, Necchi, Singer, Pfaff & Viking Husqvarna dealer & repair....

Lanam Club

The Lanam Club is a private social and dining club located in the heart of Andover, offering a warm, welcoming atmosphere where tradition meets modern hospitality. Set in a beautiful historic home, the Club provides an inviting space for members to relax, connect, and create lasting memories. Members enjoy exceptional dining, vibrant social events, and access to elegant spaces for private celebrations, business gatherings, and special occasions. Whether you're joining friends for dinner, attending a signature event, or hosting a milestone celebration, the Lanam Club offers a unique and personalized experience.

The Lanam Club is a private social and dining club located in the heart of Andover, offering a warm, welcoming atmosphere where tradition meets...

🌱 Conservation Commission Meeting and 11 more...

Also, don’t miss Independence Day Celebration At Tuscan Village on the Methuen Town Patch calendar

🌱 Conservation Commission Meeting and 11 more events

Community Corner

Spotted on the Methuen Town calendar: Run/Walk for Nature and Kids Fun Run - 5K and 10K

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Discover more in Methuen Town

Find and sell treasures, hire and offer services. All in your community

Methuen Town, MA|Local Classified|Announcement|Jun 24

Methuen resident graduates from Cotting School

The Lobster Roll That Changed Everything: Thirteen Years Later, Pauli’s Unveils USS Lobstitution 2.0

Semiquincentennial Fireworks Over Canobie Lake July 4

Beverly Sewing and Vacuum

Lanam Club