Fast Food Lobster Rolls

Lobster is one of those ingredients that you don't expect to see on the menu of a fast food chain — the health risks associated with shellfish, and the expense are major factors to consider. But just this morning one of our editors spotted a sign outside a Nathan's Famous outpost advertising their lobster roll sandwich during his commute. But Nathan's isn't the only fast food chain serving up lobster. 

• McLobster at McDonald's: Some McDonald's locations across coastal New England and parts of Canada offer the McLobster sandwich as a seasonal menu item. The roll features pieces of Atlantic lobster meat mixed with McLobster sauce, described as a creamy cross between tartar sauce and plain mayo.

• Lobster Salad Sandwich at Au Bon Pain: The nationwide chain began offering lobster salad served in a croissant this spring. Their advertisements boast a ¼-pound of lobster and mayo in every sandwich (for context, the famed Red's Lobster in Maine boasts more than a full lobster on each roll).

• Lobster Roll at Friendly's: The national fast casual chain offers a lobster roll with coleslaw and French fries for $11.95, although it has been reported that the lobster in the sandwich is mostly claw meat. 

• Lobster Sandwich at Panera Bread: This sandwich is available seasonally at Panera Bread for $16.99, including a bag of potato chips. One review claims that the sandwich has chunks of lobster mixed with mayo and topped with lettuce. 

The Daily Byte is a regular column dedicated to covering interesting food news and trends across the country. Click here for previous columns.