An Annapolis-based lobster roll shop is casting its net across the country looking for franchisees.

Mason's Famous Lobster Rollsis offering franchise opportunities after establishing itself on Annapolis' Main Street.

Dan Beck, the restaurant's founder, said he decided to franchise after a number of customers asked him whether they could get in on the business.

“I've owned a lot of food service businesses, and Mason's is the first time where people have actively solicited me,” he said.

He's working with Richard Sharoff of FranPoint Partners to franchise the shop. No franchise partners have signed on yet, but Beck said he has seen interest from potential franchisees from Texas to New York.

He expects the restaurant to add locations in areas like Baltimore, Washington and nearby resorts like Ocean City and Rehoboth Beach, Del., before expanding to the rest of the country.

In addition to variations on lobster rolls, Mason's also serves sandwiches, salads and soups. Prices range from about $10 to $20, and the traditional lobster rolls are $14.

Beck said Mason's Famous Lobster Rolls is an attractive concept to franchise because it requires a low initial investment — estimated between $168,600 and $293,150, according to the restaurant's website — and it's conducive to high-volume locations. It also doesn't require much space — between 700 and 1,200 square feet.

“The initial investment is a lot less than your normal food franchise, but sales are on par just because it's lobster and it kind of has a higher price,” Beck said.

Beck hopes to see the next location open by the end of the year.

In brief

Red Maple will close at the end of the month after 14 years in business. Owner Leonard Clarke announced the closure on his Facebook page. He said the building is under contract to be sold, and he expects the sale to be completed by late this month or early July.

“We hope to use the next few weeks as a time to reminisce, say goodbye and share a few more cocktails with all of the many great friends, customers, current and former associates and staff,” he wrote. “The greatest pleasure has come from so many friendships and times spent getting to know so many great people. These times and friendships will never be forgotten.”

A party on the bar's final night will be announced once a closing date is set.

Ryan Perlberg is buying the building that houses Red Maple at 930 N. Charles St. with a private equity partner he declined to name.

After cosmetic renovations, they plan to introduce a new establishment called Sangria, catering to young professionals and offering the eponymous Spanish beverage alongside other drinks, shared plates and appetizers.

R. House has added a fried chicken and wings stall to its vendor lineup. BRD (which is pronounced “bird” and stands for “baked, roasted and deep-fried”) will be among the dozen vendors at the food hall when the space opens this fall.

The stall will focus on artisan chicken wings and fried chicken sandwiches, offered alongside slaws, salads and vegetables.

The locally sourced sandwiches and wings will be served with a variety of toppings and sauces such as chicken Parmesan and Alabama white sauce.

BRD is the first food venture for owner Alex Janian, who has a background in investment banking. The concept was inspired by his family's trips to Florence, Italy, where the scents of rotisserie chicken wafted through the streets, he said in a news release.

Dining dates

Some upcoming foodie events to fill your calendar.

June 25: Chesapeake Crab & Beer Festival; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. or 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Rash Field (201 Key Highway); $29-$89.

June 25: Long Green Valley's Table, four-course meal by Ben Simpkins; 7 p.m. at Prigel Family Creamery (4852 Long Green Road, Glen Arm); $75.

June 28: El Coto de Rioja Spanish Wine Dinner; 6:30 p.m. at SoBo Cafe (6-8 W. Cross St.); $50.

smeehan@baltsun.com

twitter.com/sarahvmeehan