Mason’s recently opened its first local spot in Midlothian. (BizSense file photo)
Fresh off cracking open a Midlothian location, a lobster roll restaurant chain has already secured its next spot in the Richmond region.
Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls is preparing to open a Short Pump location at 11761 W. Broad St. in The Shoppes at Westgate.
The lease was finalized just a few days after Mason’s opened its first Richmond-area location at Winterfield Crossing in Midlothian.
Mason’s is a fast-casual chain with 37 locations nationwide that offers its namesake lobster rolls and other lobster-based dishes like mac and cheese and grilled cheese. The company is headquartered in Maryland but sources its shellfish from Maine.
Local franchisees, mother-son duo Lisa and K.J. Stroud, said they saw The Shoppes at Westgate as a good way to get into the Short Pump market.
“There’s a lot of working people over there and there’s a good lunch crowd,” K.J. said.
Mason’s is taking 1,200 square feet in the strip center. Thalhimer’s David Crawford and Alex Wotring worked the deal. Lisa said they’ve recently began work renovating the space, which was formerly a pet shop. She said they’re aiming for a spring 2025 opening.
In addition to the Richmond market, the Strouds’ franchise rights for Mason’s also include parts of Florida. They said they’re in negotiations for a third Richmond-area Mason’s location, namely in the Hull Street Road corridor in Chesterfield.
Other new-to-market restaurant chains heading to Short Pump include Dave’s Hot Chicken and Ford’s Garage.