GreenHead Lobster Co
Maine's largest independently owned lobster dealer, buying direct from Stonington boats every day for over 25 years. Hugh Reynolds built every step of the operation in-house: the docks, the tank rooms, the processing facility, the cold-chain logistics — so what gets to your door started at a Stonington wharf that morning.
Hugh Reynolds started buying lobster on the Stonington docks in the late 1990s. Over 25 years, he's built the operation into the largest family-owned lobster supplier in Maine — without selling to a larger entity or giving up control of the supply chain.
That control is the pitch. Greenhead buys directly from the Stonington fleet, whose lobstermen have been selling to these docks for generations. The lobsters go into filtered ocean water tanks — not artificial systems, but actual ocean water circulated to maintain the right environment for holding live lobster without stress. The live lobsters get graded, then trucked to a fulfillment facility in Seabrook, NH for nationwide shipping.
For processed product, Greenhead invested in a High Pressure Processor (HPP) — the technique that lets live lobsters move through processing quickly and humanely, preserving flavor and texture without heat. The result is processed lobster that holds up in ways conventionally processed product doesn't.
They sell live and processed, wholesale and retail. Direct-to-consumer shipping is available through the website. Wholesale buyers can inquire through the same channel.
Stonington lobster is widely regarded as the best in Maine. Penobscot Bay's cold, rocky, clean-water environment produces sweet, tender lobster — and Greenhead buys from the fleet that knows those waters best.
Hours
| Monday | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Thursday | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Friday | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Retail shop seasonal; walk-in orders accepted during office hours Mon–Fri 8am–4pm
What Visitors Say
"We ordered lobsters for Thanksgiving and GreenHead delivered the best, high-quality lobsters to our door. The food was amazing, but the customer service (thanks Allison) was even better. It's a pleasure to buy from a company that cares about the people ordering and cares about the quality of the product. Allison and GreenHead went over and beyond - thank you, we will order again!"
"Staying nearby, so wandered over. Didn't see a real retail presence, but wasn't looking for it. Spoke with workers, learned a bit about their operation, and saw some of the prettiest lobsters I've seen. Took in views from their dock, watched birds, seal & the tides. Beautiful weather, nice people, great visit!"
"Youtube celebrity Leroy of "Ask Leroy!" fame can be found here. Fun little place, the very best fresh lobster. Prices can be higher (or lower) than the co-op so check both, but it's probably worth going to Greenhead if Leroy is there. Update: Found a rare blue lobster here on July 8th, 2022. Can't get any better than that."
Local Tips
- For shipping, bundle frozen processed products for a better delivered price.
- Live lobster ships Monday–Friday; Saturday delivery available for an additional $20.
- The retail store is the direct-purchase option for locals and visitors alike.
- If you're looking for lobster to bring home at the end of a trip, this is the most organized option for shipping it right.
Connected To
- Stonington Lobster Co-op — the cooperative whose member boats supply much of the Stonington catch
- Fifield Lobster Co — another Burnt Cove-area operation on the working waterfront
- Coldwater Seafood — local retail market and smokehouse, competitive pricing on live lobster