Branford Lobster Shack May Open at Beachhead Site in East Haven

EAST HAVEN, CT - Fans of lobster rolls know you can't get any better than eating one at the famed Lobster Shack on the Branford River in Branford. Well, there may soon be a spot for fans of lobster rolls in East Haven.

The Lobster Shack is looking at taking over the old Beachhead restaurant on the shoreline in East Haven. It isn’t known whether it would operate as a second location or the Branford restaurant would be moving.

The Branford location is operated seasonally on Indian Neck Avenue, right across the water from the popular Stony Creek Brewery. The Lobster Shack serves their lobster rolls out of a trailer and traditionally have been voted "best lobster rolls" and "best outdoor dining" in many dining publication contests.

At the most recent Town Council meeting in East Haven, officials discussed the fact that the owners of the Lobster Shack have expressed an interest in taking over the Beachhead, which has been closed for a long period of time after operating for decades as a seafood restaurant on the East Haven shoreline.

The Beachhead has been shutdown a number of times in recent times , including from the floodwaters Tropical Storm Irene in 2011 and and then a year later from Hurricane Sandy.

Both times co-owners Barbara Bucci and Cindy Fucci reopened the restaurant after extensive renovations and repairs. But it has been closed for well over a year since its last reopening.

The restaurant first opened in 1942. It was famed, in its heyday, for its fried seafood dishes - along with its deck overlooking the nearby Long Island Sound.

The Lobster Shack is operated by Nick and and Arlene Crismale. Its lobster rolls are made with freshly picked tail and claw meat, real butter, and a sprinkle of lemon juice on a toasted sub roll.

On summer days in Branford, the restaurant is jammed with lobster roll loving fans enjoying the delicious sandwiches.

Contacted about their plans, the Lobster Shack owners said they were in the process of acquiring the property in East Haven but were not yet ready to discuss their future plans.