Something magical, even mystical, seems to have happened to Fredericksburg since the appearance of Mystic Lobster Roll Co., owned and operated by husband-and-wife team, Brian and Ingrid Fairchild. Whoever thought lobster would become a hit in a town so enmeshed in such a rich, long-standing German culinary tradition? The Fairchilds sure did.
“We thought it would be exciting to bring Mystic Lobster Roll to Fredericksburg,” Ingrid said. “We love lobster rolls, and these are delicious and great quality,” Brian added.
Since July of last year, the couple has been popping up Mystic Lobster Roll Co. at popular local wineries, such as Arrowhead Creek Vineyards, Serrano Wine, Ferris and Fletch Wine Co, Pontotoc Vineyard and Six Twists, and even participated in special events like the Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival last October.
We bring something new that’s not readily found here and goes well with the wine and champagne.
– Ingrid Fairchild
“We really enjoy the wineries and special events, like the Christmas markets last year. We’re a new alternative to Fredericksburg,” Brian said. “We bring something new that’s not readily found here and goes well with the wine and champagne,” Ingrid agreed.
Currently, the Mystic Lobster Roll food trailer is stationed behind Das Peach Haus and Dietz Distillery on the Fischer & Weiser Farmstead property Wednesday through Sunday, from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. It’s hard to imagine a more perfect spot to grab a quick, yet luxurious bite, while enjoying the picturesque serenity of the nearby pond. It doesn’t hurt that Das Peach Haus offers an assortment of drinks and wine by the glass, including a refreshing peach wine, to accompany your meal. Both Ingrid and Brian recommend a good rosé.
The Fairchilds, who have enjoyed being a part of the Fredericksburg community since 2015, first discovered Mystic Lobster Roll Co. while visiting their adult kids when on vacation in Florida. Both lifelong biologists, they also own an environmental consulting company called Eclipse Environmental Science Group. At the time, they weren’t looking to start a new business. It fell into their lap, so to speak, like a lobster jumping out of water.
“We just looked up restaurants near me and found it. We really enjoyed the quality and how quick and good it was, and we decided right there that we should bring it to Fredericksburg because there’s nothing quite like it here. So, we bought into the franchise and immediately began doing collaborations with the wineries,” Ingrid said. Less than one year later, wineries are courting them.
Now, let’s get to the “Maine” event — the lobster. Although Brian claims that the reason why their lobster rolls are so good is because they’re made with love (no denying that), the success starts with hearty portions of succulent lobster that taste like it just came off the boat 10 minutes ago. The potato bread bun is simple yet traditional and the ideal companion for a balanced flavor profile of naturally sweet lobster meat, served either buttery or creamy, depending on which roll catches your fancy.
The menu is small but satisfying with three different “classic” lobster roll options, such as the Connecticut (served warm with lobster, butter and chives), and three “specialty” rolls, including the Texas-friendly “Deep South,” made with lobster, chipotle mayo, candied jalapeños and jalapeño aioli, for a fun kick. Brian and Ingrid both favor the Connecticut Lobster Roll, but the Maine Lobster Roll, made with lobster, mayo and chives, is always a crowd favorite. There are no wrong choices.
They also serve fries, Lobster Mac and Cheese, White Cheddar Mac and Cheese, Lobster Bacon Bites (with honey chipotle sauce), and an unctuous Lobster Bisque with chunks of lobster. For those eating gluten-free, don’t worry. They also offer a gluten-free bun and, hopefully soon, fresh-squeezed lemonade.
The Mystic Lobster Roll brand, although fairly young, has gained notoriety on the New Jersey shore for its exceptional lobster rolls and has become a favored choice among seafood enthusiasts. The lobster itself is Maine lobster, which is sourced from the North Atlantic, where the cold waters ensure a sweeter, less briny meat. Customers frequently rave about the freshness of the lobster, generous portions and the overall quality of the offerings.
“Our menu is limited compared to others because we don’t have a brick and mortar. The other locations have different menus but all the rolls are pretty much the same. Some have additional rolls like shrimp, crab and chicken. And each franchise can add their own [approved] items to the menus, like specials,” Ingrid said.
But that hasn’t stopped local customers from raving as well.
“Almost everybody has incredible feedback for us,” Brian noted. “At the event we did last night, there were three couples who haven’t had it before and went out of their way to tell us how fantastic it was. Lots of people around here tell us they’ve never had a lobster roll before, but once they try it, they love it.”
What’s next for your local Mystic Lobster Roll Co.? A FGB Roll is actually in the works. The new lobster roll will highlight Fredericksburg peaches and a little Texas spice. And in more exciting news, The Fairchilds are already looking to expand to a brick-and-mortar, which will enable them to increase their offerings, even increase their catering. Their long-term plans include expanding throughout the Texas Hill Country.
Finally, the Fairchilds have a hot tip for locals, who can get a discount every Wednesday and Thursday. And keep an eye out for upcoming events where they will be, including the Becker Lavender Festival, Texas Wine Collective’s special events and many others.
Whether looking for a tasty nosh at a local winery or the perfect grab-and-go for a cozy picnic date that’s sure to impress, Mystic Lobster Roll Co. Fredericksburg provides a new option that’s as scrumptious as it is surprisingly affordable.
For more information, visit mysticlobsterrollsfgb.com.