According to The Boston Globe, the "restaurant chain wanted top sliced rolls that would stand upright and be easier to prepare, serve, and eat.

[4] In New England, hot dogs, clam rolls, lobster rolls, and the buns that accompany them are often associated with the summer months and coastal villages, where clam shacks and lobstering are common.

[5][6] The rolls are baked very close together, keeping the sides soft, much like sliced bread.

[1][2] Grocers in localities with significant tourism from New Englanders, such as some markets in Florida, will sell New England–style buns to satisfy visitors.

[2] The Norwegian retail chain Coop introduced top-loading hot dog buns in 2019, arguing that the buns helped to keep the hot dog and its toppings upright.