Luke's Lobster Is Opening in Boston's Back Bay

Several months ago, we reported that a New York-based group of eateries featuring lobster rolls was apparently looking into expanding to Boston. Now we have learned that at least one location will indeed be coming to the city.

According to a Twitter post from Donna Goodison of The Boston Herald, Luke's Lobster is looking to open within the Avalon Exeter apartment tower on Exeter Street in the Back Bay, confirming earlier expansion plans that include New York, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, and possibly Chicago. Luke Holden, a former lobsterman and Maine resident, first started the group of lobster shacks in New York's East Village in 2009 with his father along with business partner Ben Conniff; a total of 12 locations are now in operation, as well as a food truck.

[December 31 update: Donna Goodison tells us that according to a zoning board of appeal notice in the Herald from AvalonBay Communities, the owner of the Avalon Exeter apartment tower is petitioning to open Luke's Lobster within the building, so while it is not yet a done deal, it is indeed in the works.]

[June 1, 2015 update: BostInno states that Luke's Lobster is indeed planning to come the Avalon Exeter tower, with the restaurant looking to open in the middle of July. The article says that the new eatery would be a casual seafood shack that gets its lobster from Maine, and in addition to lobster rolls, there will also be chowder and bisque along with crab rolls, shrimp rolls, and more.]

[June 19, 2015 update: A City of Boston Licensing Board page indicates that the Back Bay location of Luke's Lobster could be one step closer to reality next week; it has applied for a common victualler license, with the hearing taking place on Wednesday, June 24.]

[July 15, 2015 update: According to a note from Hub Food Trucks, Luke's Lobster opens its new Back Bay shop on Friday (July 17).]

The address for the new Luke's Lobster in the Back Bay will be 75 Exeter Street, Boston, MA, 02116. The website for the group of lobster shacks can be found at http://www.lukeslobster.com/

Thanks to Eater Boston for bringing this to our attention.

[Earlier Article]
Is Luke's Lobster Coming to Boston?

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Update: James Hook in Boston Seeks Liquor License, Then Withdraws Request, Then Brings Back Request, Then Withdraws Request Again

[Ed note: This article was updated on August 22, September 8, and September 10 to reflect new information given.]

It looks like a landmark seafood restaurant and market in Boston is hoping to add alcohol to its menu and it is also apparently looking to stay open later.

The Boston Hospitality and Tourism Industry Blog is reporting (via a City of Boston Licensing Board page) that James Hook & Co. on Atlantic Avenue is seeking an All Alcohol License along with a possible closing time of 10:00 PM (it is now open until 5:00 PM Monday through Thursday and Saturdays, 6:00 PM on Fridays, and 3:00 PM on Sundays). The board looked into this tonight, so we may have more information by tomorrow or Friday (keep checking back for updates).

[August 22 update: According to a note sent by @UniversalHub, James Hook & Co. has withdrawn its request for a liquor license. It is not known why it was withdrawn, and it is also not known whether the place will continue to seek a later closing time.]

[September 8 update: A Licensing Board page within the City of Boston site indicates that the liquor license request by James Hook is back on track, with a hearing on the issue being held Wednesday; the note also mentions the later closing time as well as a request for a 72-seat outdoor patio.]

[September 10 update: A new note sent by Universal Hub says that James Hook & Co. has withdrawn its request for a liquor license again.]

James Hook & Co. first opened in 1925, offering lobster and other seafood items, including clam chowder, haddock, swordfish, tuna, and more.

The address for James Hook & Co. is 440 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, MA, 02210. Its website can be found at http://www.jameshooklobster.com/

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Is Luke's Lobster Coming to Boston?

It looks like a New York-based group of lobster shacks that gets its lobsters from Maine could be coming to Boston, though it probably wouldn't be happening right away.

An article in the Portland Press Herald mentions that Luke's Lobster is looking to expand, with plans to open two new locations in New York this year and three to five new spots annually over the course of the next five years. The article mentions that owner Luke Holden and his partners see the possibility of eventually having up to 40 locations of the lobster shack (there are 13 locations currently) and that Holden is eyeing an expansion beyond New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC, possibly opening in cities such as Boston and Chicago.

Former lobsterman and Maine resident Luke Holden--along with his father Jeff Holden and business partner Ben Conniff--established Luke's Lobster in New York's East Village in 2009.

The website for the group of lobster shacks can be found at http://www.lukeslobster.com/

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