The Lobster Trap is all about seafood. Don’t look for chicken here. This is where fresh seafood is thoughtfully prepared in ways that honor its delicate flavors and textures. This is where fun, food and hospitality abound and where the oysters are always fresh. So come join Mike and Amy in a celebration of seafood. Raise a glass, crack a claw, shuck a shell, and lift a fork to the best that our domestic oceans, rivers and lakes have to offer.
“Most seafood should be simply threatened with heat and then celebrated with joy.”
–JEFF SMITH, THE FRUGAL GOURMET
Our History
Amy and Captain Tom grew up together in Cape Elizabeth, Maine exploring the islands of Casco Bay. When Tom got his lobster license in high school, they hosted lobster bakes on the beach, spending many summer evenings surrounded by good friends and sweet Maine lobster.
In 2003, Amy moved to Asheville and dreamed of sharing a fresh Maine lobster bake with her new friends in the mountains. Amy was out on Tom’s boat during a visit home when she asked if he could send lobster down to Asheville. Tom said, “I can send you lobsters right off the boat anytime you want!”
In 2005, The Lobster Trap restaurant opened its doors in historic downtown Asheville, N.C. Since then, it has become the seafood destination for locals and visitors whose passion for fresh Maine lobsters, domestic oysters, mussels, clams, crabs and fish (including the award-winning Sunburst trout) is exceeded only by that of owners Amy Beard and Chef Mike McCarty.
Our Team
Mike McCarty
General Manager/Executive Chef/Partner
Chef Mike was one of the earliest members of The Lobster Trap team. Amy had a vision, but Mike had the talent to execute and add another dimension to the idea. Chef Mike’s menu always features authentic Maine dishes but he also has a gift for marrying the unique flavors of the mountains with the fresh flavors of the sea so be sure to ask your server about tonight’s specials. Mike knows how to bring out the best in the staff and the ingredients.
Chef Mike‘s work begins when the doors to the restaurant have closed for the evening. He is on the phone with purveyors until the early morning hours making sure that we have the freshest fish delivered before we re-open the next afternoon. Chef Mike has spent the last 15 years carefully cultivating his relationships with fishermen, distributors and local farmers so The Lobster Trap receives only the freshest fish and ingredients. He and his team are the area’s specialists when it comes to the delicate preparation and pairing of seafood.
Caytlyn Collins
Dining Room Manager
Caytlyn came to us from South Florida, where she developed a passion for people and food. Her travels around the world have given her a unique perspective on what hospitality means, which she has shared with us and our customers. We are grateful to have Caytlyn to unite our team, and elevate the experience for seafood lovers.
Matt Gaffney
Bar Manager
We all feel lucky to have Matt Gaffney on the team. Matt cares about people. He cares deeply about the success of the staff and the experience of the customer. Matt’s philosophy is, “We are ladies and gentlemen serving ladies and gentlemen.”
Caleb Duval
Sous Chef
Professionally trained at Johnson and Wales, Caleb brings years of experience and a big heart to the management team at The Lobster Trap. Before moving to Asheville, Caleb spent 8 years on Cape Cod getting to know New England seafood first hand. Caleb has a great sense of humor and dedication to his work.
Maggie Rogers
Media Team
Maggie Rogers has NC roots and a passion for all things beautiful and delicious. She believes that love is the meaning of life, and it’s best shared through the things we create – especially food! Maggie was already a veteran server at The Lobster Trap when she co-founded Life in the AVL. Now, she’s thrilled to be putting her pen to work as part of our Media Team.
Jessica Menezes
Media Team
After growing up on her family’s farm in the Pennsylvania Poconos, Jessica Menezes is truly an Asheville kid at heart. Her early life instilled in her a confidence in her own ability to create and adapt. Embracing her passion for videography and content creation, Jessica co-founded Life in the AVL. These days, she is the driving force of The Lobster Trap Media Team.