Sometimes the boldest ideas, those that might garner a chuckle or a quizzical look when shared, are the ones destined for success. That is, of course, what's at the heart of entrepreneurship: imagining what others haven’t yet and bringing those ideas to life. Since it first opened in 2012, McLoons Lobster Shack has consistently ranked as one of the best small businesses in Maine, but if owner Bree Birns had listened to others, it might have been relegated to little more than a passing thought.

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Before the wildly popular lobster shack on Spruce Head Island opened more than a dozen years ago, McLoons was a lobster-buying station and part of the Birns family’s wholesale business. One day, though, Bob Woodbury, the former manager of the island’s wharf, approached Birns, with an idea.

“The current shack buildings were unused, and Bob thought we should convert one into a little takeout lobster roll place,” Birns says. “Everyone thought we were crazy.”

That shack, though, had everything it needed for success – a prime seaside location smack dab in the middle of a working wharf, easy access for boaters out exploring for the day, and fresh, straight-from-the-boat lobster.

But even with all those pieces falling into place, McLoons Lobster Shack, like any fledgling small business, needed a little bit more – and it had it.

Birns attributes the small business in Maine’s success to “hard work, care, quality, and genuineness,” she says. “(We’re) building strong relationships with customers, staff, vendors, and neighbors by sharing what we love.”

Not surprisingly, customers share a love for the fresh seafood – lobster rolls, steamed lobster, crab rolls, and crab cakes – that McLoons serves seasonally.

The lobster rolls, available in two sizes including the larger half-pound Lobster Rolls Royce, tend to get the most attention, and are described by customers in such glowing terms as “the best,” “delicious,” and “worth the drive.”

Bring a hearty appetite, so you can start your meal with corn or clam chowder, grilled clams, clam dip with kettle chips, or lobster stew.

While seafood fans naturally flock to McLoons Lobster Shack in Maine, the menu also features a few non-lobster favorites, including burgers and hot dogs, and veggie burgers and grilled cheese for vegetarians. Each comes with pickles, chips, and coleslaw.

A trip to this lobster shack in South Thomaston for a lobster roll is something of a rite of passage for travelers and, if it’s your first visit, carve out enough time to really enjoy the experience. Picnic tables overlook the water, promising beautiful harbor views and a chill vibe. Try to time it so you catch one of Maine’s glorious sunsets.

Traveling to Maine, however, isn’t a requirement for treating yourself to one of the best lobster rolls in New England. McLoons Lobster Shack has partnered with Gold Belly to provide overnight shipping of some of its most popular offerings, including lobster rolls, lobster stew, and crab rolls.

While McLoons has built a reputation for its fresh seafood, the family-owned business in Maine also emphasizes giving back to the community in a variety of ways. “We support the lobstering industry, make annual contributions to our town and local non-profits, and employ local staff,” Birns says.

Many thanks to owner Bree Birns for sharing McLoons Lobster Shack’s history and story for the 2024 Small Business Spotlight. Learn more and support this iconic Maine restaurant by visiting the McLoons Lobster Shack Facebook page.

Of course, McLoons Lobster Shack is one of many amazing businesses in Maine that’s doing great things in the state. If you have another business you’d like to see profiled on Only In Maine, please nominate them for a chance to be featured. And be sure to follow Only In Maine on Facebook and Instagram to stay in the know on the state’s events, restaurants, local businesses, and hidden gems.