#USA #Cousins Maine Lobster #Maine Lobster #Food Trucks #Columbia, Charleston, Birmingham

Cousins Maine Lobster Expands into the Southeast

Cousins Maine Lobster (CML), a leading name in the fast-casual seafood sector, is embarking on a new chapter of growth as it signs a franchise agreement to deploy three new food trucks in the Southeast. This strategic move will allow CML to build a robust presence in Columbia, SC, Charleston, SC, and Birmingham, AL, integrating its beloved Maine lobster dishes into these vibrant communities.

The franchise will be led by entrepreneurial duo Dave Blosser and Matt Cobb, two longtime friends with a wealth of experience in managing multi-unit franchises in the waste management industry. Their combined expertise in operations and customer service positions them as ideal candidates to introduce CML's unique offerings, which include the much-celebrated Maine lobster rolls, flavorful tacos, grilled cheese sandwiches, and delightful whoopie pies.

Timing and Locations

The first food truck is expected to open its doors in Columbia by February 2026, with aspirations to extend service to Augusta, GA, as part of their operational territory. Following this, Charleston is slated for a 2027 launch, and Birmingham will receive its mobile kitchen in 2028. This thoughtfully paced rollout is designed to ensure both quality and community engagement in the new locations.

The Vision Behind the Expansion

As proud advocates of their communities, Dave and Matt first experienced Cousins Maine Lobster as enthusiastic customers. Their journey from fans to franchisees was driven by the warm, inviting culture they found within the CML family and the brand's unwavering commitment to quality ingredients and stellar customer experiences. “The relationships we built along the way made clear that CML was the perfect fit for us,” they shared. This sentiment highlights the personal connection these franchisees have developed with the brand and underscores their dedication to enhance the local flavor of their neighborhoods.

Cousins Maine Lobster continues to exhibit impressive growth across the United States, adding nearly 20 new locations in 2025 alone, including markets like Milwaukee, WI and Grand Rapids, MI. With more than 35 operational states, CML's flexible franchising model offers promising entry points into new markets, allowing ambitious franchisees to launch their own operations with reduced overhead and effective cost structures.

The Philosophy of CML

In its essence, Cousins Maine Lobster was born from a family legacy, co-founded in 2012 by cousins Sabin Lomac and Jim Tselikis who wanted to deliver the rich flavors of Maine lobster to the West Coast. Featuring on the renowned show Shark Tank, they garnered the backing of investor Barbara Corcoran, significantly accelerating their growth trajectory.

The brand's emphasis on quality, innovation, and community-centric practices makes it a leading choice for potential operators. CML seeks partners who share a passion for high-quality food and superb customer service, providing them the opportunity to step into the fast-casual seafood landscape.

The Road Ahead

Franchise opportunities remain available as CML looks to expand further in target areas exhibiting high demand for premium seafood. Markets such as Salt Lake City, UT and Boise, ID, as well as cities across the Midwest and South, are on CML's radar for future developments.

By bringing unique lobster-centric dining options to diverse communities, Cousins Maine Lobster not only aims to satiate appetites but also to create lasting connections through the joy of sharing delicious seafood. To learn more about franchise opportunities, potential partners are encouraged to visit their official website.

In conclusion, Cousins Maine Lobster's expansion into the Southeast signifies not just an increase in business but also a commitment to quality, community, and culinary excellence, positioning itself for sustained success as it flavors more plates across America.