By the calendar and the bright sunshine, summer is still going strong, which means there is still time for a little New England getaway on the Main Line. Quincy’s Original in Berwyn is serving up F-R-E-S-H lobster rolls among its tempting offerings. Company president Jeremy McCann was kind enough to answer a few questions for PA Eats.
PA Eats: It’s so great to be able to tap into the iconic New England lobster roll on the Main Line. What got you thinking “lobster” in the first place?
Jeremy McCann: The idea for Quincy’s was a confluence of multiple ideas. First and foremost we (the founders) are a group of friends that love lobster rolls. We would order lobster from Maine to make our own rolls even before the concept for Quincy’s had crossed our minds. One day while sitting around eating some rolls talking about all the great times we have had vacationing in New England, the inspiration for Quincy’s hit us. If we love lobster rolls and all of the great memories that go with them so much, there must be other people that feel the same way. We knew there were limited options when it came to a classic lobster roll with an affordable price, so we decided to take the plunge. You see that inspiration in our restaurant, where we wanted to re-create the vacation feeling, especially eating the local fare with your family and kicking back a little.
How often does Quincy’s get fresh lobster? Can you talk a little bit about where it comes from?
The logistics of shipping were actually very interesting. As I mentioned we would order lobster from Maine to make our own rolls before Quincy’s opened. We would get it delivered overnight by FedEx. Cost-wise that wasn’t feasible for larger orders so I was worried that shipping would be a roadblock. After a lot of research and some creative bargaining we managed to work out a schedule where we get lobster trucked overnight from a family Fishery in Maine, through Boston, into Philly and then out to the restaurant. The logistics of it are amazing and it is all done overnight. The place where we get the lobster from is a family-owned company in Maine that has been in the business for years. They get all of their lobster from the small day boats whose 1- or 2-man crews work hard to support their families by sending their fresh catch to market as quickly as possible. And of course sustainability practices are strictly followed.
Aside from lobster rolls, what other items does Quincy’s Original offer?
I love our rolls, but in all honesty our soups are what I think really sets us apart. They are all so fresh tasting and delicious people think we make them right in the store. We actually get them shipped overnight from Maine (just like most things in the store). Each small batch is hand made in central Maine and is never frozen. The family-owned and operated business makes all of our natural, premium soups, bisques and chowders. I also can’t forget the “lobster boats,” which seem to get more popular every day. The boat is made the same way as our rolls but instead of a bun we use baby romaine. At right around 175 calories for two boats it is a great option for people who are calorie conscious. Last, it’s not an actual item but I want people to know we are BYOB, so bring a couple of cold ones to enjoy with your rolls.
Lobster can take a basic cookout over the top. Can Quincy’s supply food for a group? Describe the perfect summer party spread supplied by Quincy’s.
We are really trying to get the word out about our catering options. We make a tray of six rolls that goes over great for a family dinner or as a side option for a bigger get-together. I often stop at the store on my way home and get a tray of rolls and a quart of soup and invite the in-laws over for dinner (lobster rolls make for a good impression). We also do corporate catering and have had really positive feedback from companies that are looking for an alternative to catered sandwiches. I think the perfect spread is a tray of rolls, half classic and half Maine Liner (lobster salad), some coleslaw, Cape Cod chips and some Maine Root Soda (a fair trade organic certified soda we get from Maine). For those who have a little sweet tooth maybe top it off with a Whoopie Pie, another specialty that we get overnighted from….you guessed it…Maine.
What else would you like readers of PA Eats to know about Quincy’s?
We really want people to enjoy their experience at Quincy’s. I mentioned that the inspiration for Quincy’s was laid-back times on vacation. That is really what we want people to feel when they eat at the restaurant. It is a casual place where they can bring some beers or wine, grab a table and hang out with friends. We love it when people relax and kick back for a little while. We want you to enjoy your time there and not feel rushed. We get you the food fast but that doesn’t mean you have to treat the experience like fast food. In the short time the restaurant has been open we have really just tried to focus on making sure we are delivering the highest quality lobster roll, the service is friendly and prompt and the store is as clean as possible.
Find Quincy’s Original Lobster Rolls within Swedesford Plaza at 414 W. Swedesford Rd. in Berwyn. Orders may be made by calling (484) 328-3905.
- Photography: Quincy's Original Lobster Rolls
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