News Summary
Luke’s Lobster is set to open its first location in Newport Beach on Balboa Island. The restaurant will offer New England-style lobster rolls and a variety of seafood dishes. Known for its commitment to quality and sustainability, a portion of the opening week sales will benefit Clean Ocean Access. The location is designed for convenience with counter service and a walkup window. This new venue is expected to become a popular destination for seafood lovers, enhancing the vibrant atmosphere of Bowen’s Wharf.
Newport Beach is set to welcome its first Luke’s Lobster location on Balboa Island, with plans for the grand opening on August 20. The restaurant, renowned for its New England-style lobster rolls, will feature a menu designed for seafood enthusiasts.
The signature offering includes a toasted, buttered, split-top bun generously filled with chilled lobster, mayonnaise, lemon butter, and house seasoning. In addition to lobster rolls, the Newport Beach menu will also include clam chowder, fresh lobster, crab, and shrimp rolls, catering to a variety of seafood tastes.
Designed for convenience, the restaurant will offer counter service, perfect for customers looking to grab a quick meal. The Newport Beach location, which will primarily operate a walkup window from May 25 through mid-October, is strategically located at 329 Marine Ave, making it accessible to locals and visitors alike. The restaurant hours are set from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily for both lunch and dinner.
Luke’s Lobster was founded in 2009 by Luke Holden, a third-generation lobsterman, in partnership with Ben Conniff. Since its inception, the brand has seen significant growth, expanding to more than 30 locations across the United States and internationally. The company is recognized as a certified B Corp, reflecting its dedication to social and environmental responsibility.
As part of its commitment to the community, Luke’s Lobster will donate a portion of its opening week sales to Clean Ocean Access, a nonprofit organization focused on promoting ocean health. This initiative showcases the restaurant’s broader mission to contribute positively to the local environment.
Bowen’s Wharf, where the new lobster roll shop is located, is known for its rich historical background and vibrant atmosphere. The area regularly hosts events, including the Newport Oyster & Chowder Festival and Seafood Festival, attracting seafood lovers and tourists. The management of the Newport location will be overseen by General Manager Kevin Casey, who aims to maintain the high standards for which Luke’s is acclaimed.
Luke Holden’s journey in the lobster industry began in his youth, influenced by his father, Jeff Holden, who was the first licensed lobster processor in Maine. The very first Luke’s Lobster opened in New York City’s East Village, quickly gaining a reputation for quality seafood and casual dining. The brand expanded further with the establishment of a seafood purchasing and production facility in Saco, Maine, in 2013.
The Newport Beach location is anticipated to become a popular destination for seafood aficionados, offering a taste of New England’s best in a charming coastal setting. With its commitment to quality ingredients and community involvement, Luke’s Lobster is poised to make a significant impact in its new locale.
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Additional Resources
- Orange County Register
- NewportRI.com
- The Newport Buzz
- Eat This, Not That!
- Business Insider
- Wikipedia: Lobster Roll
- Google Search: Seafood Restaurants Near Me
- Google Scholar: Seafood Industry
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lobster
- Google News: Luke’s Lobster
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
