A new food stand at the Rochester Public Market has such a perfect name that it’s hard to imagine why it doesn’t already exist.
Roc Lobster serves four kinds of lobster rolls and other seafood fare. And yes, it’s named after Rock Lobster, the catchy song that launched the B-52’s in 1978.
The owners are Michael O’Leary and Brian Wirth, who are the promoters for the market’s Band on the Bricks series on Friday nights in July and August.
O’Leary owns the Railroad Street Grill in the B shed of the market; he also owned Temple Bar and Grill on East Avenue until recently, when he sold it.
Wirth retired from his longtime position of director of development at Holy Childhood in January. “I’m supposed to be spending my time in Florida with my wife,” he quipped, but he couldn’t resist the entrepreneurial opportunity. “It’s a lot of fun. It’s a different kind of work than I’ve done in the past.”
An obvious question is whether the business was inspired by the enthusiastic response to the Cousins Maine Lobster food truck, a franchise operation that made its Rochester debut in 2024. “It didn’t hurt,” Wirth admitted. “Obviously there’s a demand.”
What’s on the menu at Roc Lobster
Roc Lobster operates from 4 to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday; online ordering and delivery is available through the major apps. In addition, it will serve at market events like the food truck rodeos, Band on the Bricks, Flower City Days and more.
The stand in the market’s C shed has its own cordoned-off area with tables and chairs; the area is outside but under the cover of the shed.
A big draw since Roc Lobster opened in March has been four variations on lobster rolls, all made with a quarter-pound of knuckle and crab meat, nestled inside a soft roll that’s been buttered and toasted and served with a wedge of lemon.
The New England has chilled lobster and light mayo; the Boston adds a bit of celery and onion to the equation. The Connecticut has warm lobster with butter, while The Long Island has warm lobster with garlic butter.
Its menu also includes clams casino, crab cake sandwich, beer-battered fish fry, fried calamari, lobster mac & cheese, crab & lobster bisque and more. A large pretzel topped with lobster, crab and cheese is served in a pizza box. Find the full menu at roclobster.com. At large market events, the stand serves a reduced menu of its most popular items to provide speedy service.
Tracy Schuhmacher covers Rochester’s food and drink scene. Notice something open or close in your neighborhood? Send tips to tracys@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: New stand at the Public Market serves four takes on lobster rolls
Reporting by Tracy Schuhmacher, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
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