Roll with It!
Milford, Connecticut holds a special place in culinary history as the birthplace of the hot buttered lobster roll—a dish that has become a New England icon. This delectable sandwich, characterized by warm lobster meat drenched in melted butter and nestled in a toasted bun, traces its origins back to the 1920s at Perry’s, a now-closed restaurant in Milford. 
The story goes that Harry Perry, the proprietor of Perry’s, crafted the first hot lobster roll in response to a traveling salesman’s request for a portable, hot lobster sandwich. Initially served on slices of white bread, the sandwich evolved when Perry collaborated with a local bakery to develop a sturdier, split-top bun that could better contain the buttery lobster meat. This innovation not only enhanced the eating experience but also set the standard for what is now known as the Connecticut-style lobster roll.
Unlike its Maine counterpart, which features chilled lobster salad mixed with mayonnaise, the Connecticut-style lobster roll celebrates simplicity and warmth. Freshly cooked lobster is bathed in melted butter and served hot, allowing the natural sweetness of the meat to shine. This minimalist approach has garnered a devoted following and has been embraced by seafood enthusiasts across the region
Today, Milford continues to honor its legacy with establishments like Seven Seas Restaurant, where patrons can savor the classic hot buttered lobster roll in a setting that pays homage to the town’s rich culinary heritage. For those seeking to experience this iconic dish, a visit to Milford offers not only a taste of history but also a delicious journey into the heart of New England’s seafood tradition.
In keeping with honoring this seafood legacy, this year, Milford will proudly celebrate its culinary heritage as the birthplace of the hot buttered lobster roll with the inaugural Milford Lobster Roll Festival. This event is scheduled for Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM at the Devon Rotary Pavilion at Walnut Beach.
The festival will include a variety of local vendors serving up both classic and uniquely flavored lobster rolls. Craft beers from Tribus Beer Co. and Dockside Brewery, and other beverage selections from Wines & More will also be served. The festival’s offerings, however, will not stop at food and beverages. There will be plenty of creative family-friendly activities hosted by The Giggling Pig, and live musical performances throughout the day.
The Milford Lobster Roll Festival is being held by the Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce, aiming to honor Milford’s rich seafood tradition and community spirit. “Milford is known for its incredible shoreline, its welcoming community, and now, the Lobster Roll Festival,” said Simon McDonald, Director of Membership and Marketing at the Chamber. “We’re excited to bring this brand-new event to the region, celebrating what makes Milford special while supporting our local businesses and vendors. The Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce extends a huge thank you to Xfinity for their tremendous support as the naming sponsor. Their dedication to our community helps bring events like this to life, and we are grateful for their partnership. Mazda of Milford has also become a big supporter of the festival to further Mazda of Milford’s commitment to the community.”
For more information and updates, visit the Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce website at www.milfordct.com.
