Stephen Poulos

Essex County

Scott Souza

Boston Metropolitan Area

Danvers

Massachusetts

Peabody

Beverly

Salem

Hamilton-Wenham

Lynnfield

Marblehead

Middlesex County

North Reading

Swampscott

Chris Rhatigan 

Wakefield

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

The Cut - Stage • Studio • Restaurant • Bar

Pet Sounds Live is the premier Beach Boys album experience celebrating Brian Wilson’s iconic masterpiece that altered the course of rock &amp; roll.
Pet Sound Live transports you back in time inside the studio and behind the glass as you experience the creation of some of the greatest and most beloved music in rock &amp; roll history performed right before your eyes and ears. This is far more than a tribute and much more than just a&nbsp;band. Pet Sounds Live is rock &amp; roll history come to life on stage like no other show before. In addition to the complete Pet Sounds album, the show also features many other Beach Boys classics like; “California Girls”, “Don’t Worry, Baby”, “I Get Around”, “Help Me, Rhonda”, “In My Room”, “Surfin’ USA”, “Do It Again” and the legendary pocket symphony, “Good Vibrations”among others.
Relive the magic of Pet Sounds through live music, narration and visual multi-media with fascinating historical facts all through the lens of Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys’ masterpiece, PET SOUNDS!

Local Event: The Music of the Beach Boys Featuring Pet Sounds LIVE!

Gloucester

The Music of the Beach Boys Featuring Pet...

Pet Sounds Live is the premier Beach Boys album experience celebrating Brian Wilson’s iconic masterpiece that altered the...

The Music of the Beach Boys Featuring Pet Sounds LIVE!

Salem Celebrates the 4th!Bring your beach blankets and folding chairs to enjoy live orchestra&nbsp;music on Derby Wharf at the Salem Maritime National Historical Park for a&nbsp;grand celebration of our nation’s 250th Independence Day. 
Featuring&nbsp;live music, family fun, and fireworks launched over Salem Harbor, this&nbsp;is a quintessential celebration of the 4th of July. 
<a href="https://www.salemma.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/118" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Check back here for more information.</a>

Local Event: Salem Celebrates The 4th Of July

Salem Celebrates The 4th Of July

Salem Celebrates the 4th!Bring your beach blankets and folding chairs to enjoy live orchestra music on Derby Wharf at the Salem...

Bring your beach blankets and folding chairs to enjoy live orchestra&nbsp;music on Derby Wharf at the Salem Maritime National Historical Park for a&nbsp;grand celebration of our nation’s 250th Independence Day. Featuring&nbsp;live music, family fun, and fireworks launched over Salem Harbor, this&nbsp;is a quintessential celebration of the 4th of July. <a href="https://www.salemma.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/118" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Check back here for more information.</a>

Bring your beach blankets and folding chairs to enjoy live orchestra music on Derby Wharf at the Salem Maritime National...

Salem Celebrates the 4th!
Bring your beach blankets and 
folding chairs to enjoy live orchestra&nbsp;music on Derby Wharf at the Salem
 Maritime National Historical Park for a&nbsp;grand celebration of our 
nation’s 250th Independence Day. 
Featuring&nbsp;live music, family fun, and fireworks launched over Salem 
Harbor, this&nbsp;is a quintessential celebration of the 4th of July. 
<a href="https://www.salemma.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/118" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Check back here for more information.</a>

Salem Celebrates the 4th!
Bring your beach blankets and 
folding chairs to enjoy live orchestra music on Derby Wharf at the...

Tell Me Lies showcases the timeless hits of Fleetwood Mac, a band renowned for their exceptional song writing and energetic live performances. The accomplished members of Tell Me Lies have been creating music together in various styles and combinations for many years. It was only natural for them to unite and honor the unmatched legacy of Fleetwood Mac. With an unwavering commitment to authenticity and a deep respect for their craft, Tell Me Lies meticulously recreates the beloved sounds and visuals of one of the world's most adored best-selling bands.

Local Event: Tell Me Lies - The Fleetwood Mac Experience

Tell Me Lies - The Fleetwood Mac Experience

Tell Me Lies showcases the timeless hits of Fleetwood Mac, a band renowned for their exceptional song writing and energetic...

<h3>Marblehead Fireworks &amp; Harbor Illumination</h3>
<ul>
<li>8:45 PM — Harbor illumination</li>
<li>9:00 PM — Fireworks</li>
</ul>
As you look forward to celebrating a wonderful Independence Day 2026 
with your families &amp; friends and enjoying the beauty of the “Ring of
 Fire” created by our harbor illumination, we ask you to please remember
 that this event is only possible because the Marblehead Fireworks 
Committee is an all-volunteer organization, and the fireworks display is
 100% privately funded via donations. 
Riverhead Beach is at the far end of the harbor.However, it is a&nbsp;straight shot down harbor to see the fireworks. You will be able to see&nbsp;both sides of the Harbor Illumination from here.Fort Sewall will be one of the very best locations to see the Fireworks&nbsp;and Illumination of the Harbor. It is sure to become very crowded and it&nbsp;is suggested that you plan to arrive as early as possible to get a good&nbsp;spot.Fort Beach (Flat Rock Beach to the locals) is another great location to&nbsp;see the Fireworks and Illumination of the Harbor. However, due to it&nbsp;being such a great vantage point, it will become very crowded. It is&nbsp;suggested that you plan to arrive as early as possible to get a good&nbsp;spot.Crocker Park offers splendid panoramas of the entire harbor. Crocker&nbsp;Park is where we "Count Down The Fireworks". Plenty of benches, grassy&nbsp;areas, and of course, rocks.Chandler Hovey Park is one of the best vantage points to see the&nbsp;Fireworks and Illumination of the Harbor. However, due to its great&nbsp;popularity, it will become very crowded and it is suggested that you&nbsp;plan to arrive as early as possible.













<a href="https://marbleheadfire.works/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Go here for more information</a>Scott Souza/Patch Staff Photo

Local Event: Marblehead Fireworks & Harbor Illumination

Marblehead Fireworks & Harbor Illumination

Marblehead Fireworks & Harbor Illumination

8:45 PM — Harbor illumination
9:00 PM — Fireworks

As you look forward to...

Topsfield Town Library

Join The Borgen Project for an informational event to learn how you can use your voice to help end global poverty. Discover flexible volunteer opportunities that fit your interests and learn how this global movement creates real change around the world.

Local Event: Learn About Volunteering Opportunities - The Borgen Project

Learn About Volunteering Opportunities - The...

Join The Borgen Project for an informational event to learn how you can use your voice to help end global poverty. Discover...

Learn About Volunteering Opportunities - The Borgen Project

Crushville Presents Stevie Wonder vs Earth Wind &amp; Fire: Hits, deep cuts, mashups, and more from two of the greatest musical catalogs of all time.
Rather than employing a note-for-note copycat formula, Crushville’s 10-piece band takes the listener beyond the original Stevie Wonder and Earth, Wind &amp; Fire recordings on a far more expressive, dynamic, and exciting journey. Every show is unique, with spellbinding solos, peak musicianship, and soulful vocals leading the way. You'll hear the hits you know and love, and each show contains surprise deep cut songs, too!
Featuring a who's who of the music industry's finest musicians who have toured with Stevie Wonder, Janet Jackson, The Temptations and Snarky Puppy and performed with Frankie Valli, Louis Cato, Mary J. Blige, The ABEEZ, Nigel Hall, The Nth Power, and more, join us for a celebration of music for the sake of music.
You know every song from these two artists, but you’ve never heard them like this before. We invite you to join us and dance, sing along, or just take it all in!
For a full band bio see Crushvillemusic.com

Local Event: Crushville Presents: Stevie Wonder VS Earth Wind & Fire

Crushville Presents: Stevie Wonder VS Earth...

Crushville Presents Stevie Wonder vs Earth Wind & Fire: Hits, deep cuts, mashups, and more from two of the greatest musical...

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Stephen Poulos, Neighbor

Posting Activity

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

The Music of the Beach Boys Featuring Pet Sounds LIVE!

Salem Celebrates The 4th Of July

Salem Celebrates The 4th Of July

Salem Celebrates The 4th Of July

Tell Me Lies - The Fleetwood Mac Experience

Marblehead Fireworks & Harbor Illumination

Learn About Volunteering Opportunities - The Borgen Project

Crushville Presents: Stevie Wonder VS Earth Wind & Fire