What’s the buzz about new spot in Warner Robins? Authentic Maine lobster rolls

Chris and Tia Small of South Maine brought an authentic taste of home with them when they moved to Warner Robins.

The couple are behind Tia’s Maine Lobster Rolls, a new takeout restaurant in an unassuming space at 100 North Pleasant Hill Road, Suite B.

The Smalls offer lobster claws and knuckles from lobsters harvested off the East Coast, cooked and shipped fresh to the restaurant for their lobster rolls and other lobster dishes made to order. Those not wanting seafood can try their “UFO” burger.

“I never thought I would get lobster rolls in Warner Robins,” said Quintel Brinson, already a frequent customer who was waiting to place his order. “You can tell they put great effort into making a quality product.”

What is on the menu at Tia’s Maine Lobster Rolls?

The menu includes Maine lobster rolls that are served cold with a toasted roll with mayo and Connecticut rolls in which the lobster is served warm on a toasted roll poached with butter.

The restaurant also offers lobster stuffed portabella caps, a lobster grilled cheese sandwich, homemade mac and cheese topped with lobster, and a Maine shrimp roll.

A family take home kit comes with six rolls, lobster, mayo, lemon and chives.

For those who want something other than seafood, the couple offer “UFO sandwiches” that are basically a hamburger or cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, pickle, onions, American cheese, mayo, ketchup and mustard that’s sealed inside a bun. The sandwiches have a saucer shape, with “UFO” imprinted on the top bun.

Other offerings include a Thanksgiving day sandwich with smoked turkey breast, cranberry sauce, stuffing and mayo; a chicken burger; and chicken in a waffle.

The Smalls usually have desserts such as coconut macaroons and whoopie pies for sale that aren’t on the regular menu.

“Every dessert that goes out the door here, Tia made,” Chris Small said.

The Smalls experiment with the menu based on customer feedback and offer specials not on the regular menu such as a veggie burger with sauteed mushrooms.

They’re also open to catering.

Two recent events they’ve done include a church dinner in which they provided turkeys that Chris Small smoked himself with regular homemade mac and cheese as the side dish, and a workplace catering for a friend of 24 lobster sliders and lobster mac and cheese.

Menu prices range from $12 for the UFO and most sandwiches to $26 for a small and $36 for a large lobster roll to the $100 family meal kit. A current special includes two small lobster rolls for $48.

All meals are served with chips and a beverage.

What customers had to say about Tia’s Maine Lobster Rolls

The restaurant, which opened in early November, had a steady stream of customers when The Telegraph recently stopped in.

Many customers said they were regulars, with several coming in at least once a week, if not more often. The regulars raved about the food.

Clarissa Haslon, who was waiting for her order, described Tia’s Maine Lobster Rolls as “different, very unique.”

“It’s very rare to have anywhere that you can taste another state, so to say. This is Maine on a plate if you will,” Haslon said. “I’m actually very surprised about the freshness of the lobster.

“That really surprised me because it’s hard to find any fresh seafood in Middle Georgia based on our location, but this is the freshest you are probably going to get around here, and she (Tia Small) doesn’t skip on the quantity or quality either.”

Haslon ordered for the second time the Connecticut lobster roll. She previously has tried the chicken in a waffle on a stick.

“That was very innovative,” she said of the chicken in a waffle. “Made me feel like I was eating fair food.”

The restaurant has an inviting East Coast vibe with its nautical decor. The open space offers a few patio chairs and sofa inside to wait for orders.

How did the Smalls end up in Warner Robins?

Once their three children had stepped out on their own, the Smalls decided that they wanted to move to a warmer climate.

“We started looking for houses down in the Carolinas, and everything kept shooting us towards Georgia, and once we got down here, we fell in love with our house and loved the area,” Tia Small said.

They had thought about transferring her husband’s paving business to Georgia, and they also thought about a Korean food truck.

But as the Smalls got to know the area, they quickly discovered that the fresh seafood that they were so used to in Maine just wasn’t here.

That led them to open Tia’s Maine Lobster Rolls, starting with a simple menu.

“So this was just a great opportunity for us to bring our favorite things to Middle Georgia for everyone to try,” Small said.

In the future, they expect to roll out a Tia’s Main Lobster Rolls food truck.

A thumbs up from the local chamber

The restaurant recently got a boost from Robins Regional Chamber at its ribbon cutting.

“Today we had the chance to cut a ribbon with Chris and Tia of Tia’s Maine Lobster Rolls and officially welcome them to the community!,” the chamber posted on Facebook. “They’ve brought the true taste of Maine straight to the South with their authentic lobster rolls, and trust us, they’re to die for.

“If you’re looking to try something new, pop in, say hi, browse the menu, and enjoy. They even offer sweet treats to finish off your meal perfectly!”

Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, though the Smalls may change their hours based on community feedback and busy times, Tia Small said. There’s also some flexibility with late pickups, so call ahead at 478-354-4234.

This story was originally published December 23, 2025 at 6:00 AM.