Summer is here, and there’s no better way to celebrate than firing up the grill, gathering with friends and family, and making the most of those long, sunny days. Whether you’re in the mountains of Montana or along the shores of Florida, one thing remains the same: great cookouts start with great buns.
This summer, Martin’s Famous Potato Rolls and Bread is taking you on a culinary journey from coast to coast. We’re exploring six distinct regions across America—each with its own unique flavors, traditions, and cookout favorites. From surf and turf burgers on the West Coast to pull-apart sliders in the Western plains, we’ve got a recipe to make your summer gatherings unforgettable.
So…grab your tongs, stock up on Martin’s, and let’s explore what makes each region’s cookout culture special. Because no matter where you are, summer just isn’t summer without Martin’s Potato Rolls.
West Coast: Endless Summer Vibes
The West Coast knows how to do summer right. From the sun-drenched beaches of Southern California to the rugged coastline of the Pacific Northwest, this region has perfected the art of year-round outdoor cooking. Think fish tacos at sunset, avocado on everything, and that perfect blend of land and sea.
The West Coast’s culinary scene is all about fusion, bringing together influences from around the Pacific Rim. Korean BBQ meets Mexican street tacos, and fish meets fire in the most delicious ways.
About This Region:
- Home to iconic food markets like Seattle’s Pike Place (famous for flying fish) and L.A.’s Grand Central Market
- Southern California enjoys nearly 300 days of sunshine annually (which explains why outdoor cooking is a year-round tradition!)
- California produces over 90% of America’s avocados, which explains why you’ll find them on just about every cookout menu from San Diego to Portland.
Sweet-Heat Surf & Turf Burgers | Martin’s Sandwich Potato Rolls
These showstoppers bring together the best of both land and sea. Juicy beef patties are topped with lump lobster meat, corn and peach salsa, diced avocado, and a lemon browned butter aioli—all on Martin’s soft, buttery Sandwich Potato Rolls. One bite and you’ll taste why the West Coast is famous for its innovative food culture.
Martin’s on the West Coast: We’re proud to now be available at Walmart and Smart & Final locations west of the Mississippi! Whether you’re picking up supplies for a beach bonfire in Santa Monica or stocking up for a backyard barbecue in Seattle, Martin’s is at your fingertips—bringing that famous soft, squishy texture to tables across the region.
Southeast: Sun-Soaked Flavor
From the Florida Keys to the Louisiana bayou, the Southeast knows how to throw a party that lasts all day (and well into the evening). These summer cookouts aren’t just meals…they’re social events. Every gathering carries that unmistakable Southern flair—loud flavors, generous portions, and a feeling that you’re family, whether you’ve been here for years or just arrived.
This region brings together Southern hospitality, bold seasonings, and a love for outdoor cooking that runs deep. Here, you’ll find jambalaya simmering in cast iron, peach cobbler cooling on the counter, and sweet tea flowing as freely as conversation.
About This Region:
- The Southeast is America’s seafood capital, with the Gulf Coast providing fresh shrimp, oysters, and blue crab year-round
- Several of America’s iconic fast-food burger chains got their start in the Southeast, and today Martin’s proudly partners with regional favorites like Heavy’s Barburger, NFA Burger, and more.
- The Southeast is home to some of the oldest BBQ joints in America
Big Marty Burger | Martin’s Big Marty’s Rolls
Sometimes the best burger is the one that doesn’t try too hard. This Southern-style beauty keeps things classic with a chargrilled patty and a few simple toppings, echoing the straightforward style of typical American burger joints. The flavorful beef patties are topped with crisp lettuce, fresh tomato, pickles, and onions, and served on Martin’s Big Marty’s Rolls. Simple, satisfying, and perfectly sized for serious appetites.
Martin’s in the Southeast: Since bringing our famous Potato Rolls and Bread to Florida in 1999, the Sunshine State has become one of our top-selling markets. Our second bakery in Valdosta, Georgia helps us serve the region, and our presence in Louisiana and Alabama since 2013 means more families can enjoy Martin’s at their summer cookouts. From backyard barbecues to southern comfort food staples, Martin’s is proud to be part of the meals that bring family and friends together all summer long.
Northeast: Where Tradition Meets Taste
The Northeast is where culture and flavor intersect. These colonial-era towns and historic cities hold food traditions that date back centuries, with recipes that have been passed down through generations. This is the land of lobster rolls, boardwalk hot dogs, and late-night diner burgers.
Major cities like Philadelphia, New York, Boston, D.C., and Baltimore didn’t just shape American food—they invented much of it. Here, tradition meets taste, and every bite has a backstory.
About This Region:
- New York State alone has over 400 miles of coastline, making shore-side dining a cherished summer tradition from Long Island to the Jersey Shore
- The Northeast hosts some of America’s oldest food traditions—Maine’s lobster industry dates back to the 1800s, and many Italian bakeries and delis have been family-run for over 100 years
- Baseball stadium food culture was born here, with iconic ballpark franks at Fenway Park and Yankee Stadium setting the standard for what a summer hot dog should taste like
Classic Burger Sliders | Martin’s Sweet Dinner Potato Rolls
These old-school sliders are pure Northeast nostalgia, inspired by the iconic burger joints that have fed families for decades. Thin beef patties are cooked over sautéed onions, topped with pickles and your favorite condiments, and served on Martin’s Sweet Dinner Potato Rolls. They’re the kind of food that disappears the moment you set it on the table.
Martin’s in the Northeast: The Northeast is Martin’s hometown region, with our world headquarters based in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Since expanding into New York in 1980, Martin’s has become a favorite across the state—today, about 1 in every 4 buns sold in New York is a Martin’s Potato Roll! Whether it’s burgers at a backyard cookout or a classic summer lobster roll, Martin’s is proud to be part of mealtime traditions across the region.
Midwest: Heartland Hospitality
They call it “America’s Heartland” for good reason. The Midwest is known for its down-to-earth way of life, community spirit, and serious love of comfort food. Summer is defined by county fairs, tailgate parties in stadium parking lots, and backyard potlucks where the whole neighborhood shows up.
The Midwest is casserole country, deep-dish pizza territory, and the land of the juicy Lucy. Expect hearty portions, friendly gatherings, and recipes that have been passed down through generations of family cookbooks.
About This Region:
- The Midwest produces more than 127 million acres of farmland, meaning fresh sweet corn is a cookout staple from July through September
- From classic diners to corner pizzerias, the Midwest knows comfort food—Chicago alone has over 7,000 restaurants and gave us deep-dish pizza in 1943, while Detroit invented its own iconic square-style pie with caramelized cheese edges.
- State fairs here are legendary, with the Iowa State Fair and Wisconsin State Fair each drawing over a million visitors annually
Supreme Pizza Sub | Martin’s Hoagie Rolls
This Midwest mash-up brings together two favorites into one unforgettable dish. Load up Martin’s Hoagie Rolls with tangy marinara, browned Italian sausage, crispy pepperoni, sautéed peppers and onions, sliced mushrooms, and melted mozzarella. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Martin’s in the Midwest: Martin’s is growing in the Midwest, with Cleveland and Cincinnati among our newest markets following expansions in 2022 and 2023. Our famous Potato Rolls and Bread are available in Walmart stores throughout the region, and we’re continuously working to expand into more local retailers and restaurants. From burgers and brats to tailgate spreads, Martin’s is bringing summer flavor to tables across the Midwest.
Southwest: Bold, Smoky, and Unforgettable
Everything’s bigger in the Southwest, especially the flavors. This region is defined by wide-open skies, legendary barbecue, and an obsession with all things smoked or grilled. From Texas brisket to New Mexico green chiles, the Southwest brings the heat and the heart to every meal. You’ll find plenty of Mesquite smoke, jalapeño everything, and barbecue sauce with serious personality.
This is where slow-smoked brisket reigns supreme and where outdoor cooking isn’t just a hobby…it’s a competitive sport. The Southwest doesn’t do subtle, and we love it that way.
About This Region:
- Texas is home to four distinct regional BBQ styles (East, Central, West, and South Texas), each with passionate defenders and century-old traditions
- New Mexico’s Hatch chile harvest draws over 30,000 visitors annually to the Hatch Chile Festival, celebrating the state’s most prized crop
- Texans take tailgating as seriously as the game itself, with smokers, full grills, and enough brisket to feed a small town showing up at every stadium
Pulled Pork Hot Dog | Martin’s Long Potato Rolls
This Texas-sized mashup brings serious barbecue flavor to your hot dog game. Start with a cross-hatched hot dog for maximum char, then pile on tender pulled pork that’s been slow-cooked until it falls apart. Top with tangy barbecue sauce, creamy coleslaw for crunch, and pickle chips for that essential acidic bite, and serve on Martin’s Long Potato Rolls. It’s smoky, satisfying, and packed full of flavor.
Martin’s in the Southwest: We expanded into Austin, Houston, and San Antonio in 2020, followed by Dallas in 2022, bringing Martin’s to major Texas markets. We’re also proud to sponsor the Houston Astros, Houston Texans, and Sugar Land Space Cowboys—supporting the teams and communities that make this region special. From pulled pork to Texas BBQ favorites, Martin’s is part of the bold flavors and summer traditions across the Southwest.
West: Wide-Open Grilling
The Western region stretches across the vast Rocky Mountains and high plains, where outdoor cooking is a tradition and summer means camping, grilling, and gathering around the fire. This is cowboy country, where hearty meals fuel big adventures and the landscape is as bold as the food. From Montana to Colorado, Wyoming to Idaho, the West is defined by wilderness, independent spirit, and food cooked under open skies.
Think campfire cooking, huckleberry jam, bison burgers, and dishes inspired by the great outdoors. The West is rugged, rustic, and real.
About This Region:
- Montana has more cattle than people, making it prime territory for ranch-style cooking and serious beef appreciation
- Wild huckleberries grow throughout the mountain regions, and locals guard their picking spots like family secrets
- The region pioneered modern camping culture, with the first official campgrounds established in the early 1900s, creating traditions of outdoor cooking that continue today
Cowboy Tater Tot Pull-Apart Sliders | Martin’s Sweet Party Potato Rolls
These rustic, fun-loving sliders capture the playful, hearty spirit of the West. Seasoned ground beef gets mixed with smoky barbecue sauce and diced green chiles, then layered with melted pepper jack cheese, pickled jalapeños, and—the genius part—crispy golden tater tots on top. Martin’s Sweet Party Potato Rolls pull apart easily for sharing, making them perfect for game day, cookouts, or any time you need to feed a hungry crowd.
Martin’s in the West: Martin’s is still working its way across this wide-open region. Our ever-expanding distributor base is helping to bring our famous Potato Rolls and Bread to restaurants throughout the area west of the Mississippi. With availability in several retailers and continued expansion into local markets, we’re reaching more families than ever before. Whether it’s burgers on the grill or campfire meals, we’re proud to be part of summer gatherings across the Wild West.
Whether you’re grilling surf and turf on the Pacific, smoking brisket in Texas, or flipping burgers in your Pennsylvania backyard, these six regional recipes prove that America’s cookout culture is as diverse as it is delicious. And no matter which corner of the country you call home, Martin’s is there for all of them.
Ready to Win Big This Summer?
Martin’s is celebrating cookout season from coast to coast this summer, and we want you to join the fun! Enter our Summer Fun Season Sweepstakes for your chance to win an exclusive cookout prize pack. Each prize box is filled with Martin’s products and cookout essentials like festive tableware, custom accessories, and more! It’s everything you need to throw a great outdoor party with friends.
Enter now at martinssummerfun.com!
Entry Period: May 1 – July 24, 2026
Official Rules: potatorolls.com/sweepstakes-rules
No matter where your summer adventures take you, Martin’s is here to help you create delicious moments with family and friends. Make every gathering unforgettable with the soft, buttery taste of Martin’s Famous Potato Rolls and Bread.
Bonus: Follow Along All Summer Long!
Follow @potatorolls on Instagram for Summer Fun Fridays! Each week, we’re sharing cookout inspiration from fans and friends. Plus, be on the lookout for a special hot dog giveaway coming in June!
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