#United States #Cousins Maine Lobster #lobster rolls #Food Trucks #Gary, South Bend, Fort Wayne

Cousins Maine Lobster Expands to Indiana

Cousins Maine Lobster (CML), a standout brand in the fast-casual seafood scene, is making its mark in Indiana with the introduction of two new food trucks. With an agreement recently signed, these trucks will bring CML's famously delectable lobster rolls and other seafood delights to residents in the regions of Gary, South Bend, and Fort Wayne.

Maryland's Charismatic Seafood Delicacies

The brand is renowned for serving up top-notch Maine lobster rolls, which have garnered fans across the nation. Aside from the iconic rolls, the menu will also feature lobster tacos, savory grilled cheese sandwiches infused with lobster, and mouth-watering whoopie pies. This expansion is anticipated to fulfill the growing appetite for high-quality seafood in the Midwest, ensuring that Indiana locals can indulge in the flavors of Maine.

Leading this expansion are local entrepreneurs Hussein Kourani and Al Obaid, who are related by family ties and share a strong commitment to delivering outstanding seafood experiences. They plan to launch the first truck in March 2026, targeting the bustling markets of Gary and South Bend, followed by a second truck slated for Fort Wayne in 2027. This initiative is not just a business move but a heartfelt family effort, with Kourani's brother, Hadi, also supporting this endeavor.

Building Community and A Legacy

Hussein expressed enthusiasm about joining Cousins Maine Lobster, emphasizing the brand’s reputation built on trust and passion. “We aim to create something enduring for our families while delighting our new communities with Maine's hospitality and culinary staples,” he shared.

Cousins Maine Lobster is progressively positioning itself as one of the fastest-growing quick-service seafood concepts, having opened nearly 20 new outlets across various markets just this year, including locations in Milwaukee and Albany. The brand anticipates celebrating its landmark 100th unit by mid-2026.

The company's expansion strategy relies on flexible food truck and brick-and-mortar restaurant models, facilitating high-quality lobster offerings that echo genuine Maine tradition. Lindsay Herberger, the Director of Franchise Development, highlighted the alignment of values shared between the brand and its Indiana operators, indicating confidence in their potential to create enduring connections with seafood enthusiasts across the state.

Seeking Passionate Operators

Cousins Maine Lobster is on the lookout for motivated operators like Hussein and Al, who value both excellent food and stellar customer service. The franchisee model is structured to offer a straightforward route to entry in this vibrant market, allowing operators to set up food trucks within a short time frame. This flexibility coupled with low overhead costs enhances the attainability of launching a successful seafood venture.

As it builds momentum in Indiana, Cousins Maine Lobster is targeting various cities across the nation that exhibit high demand for premium seafood fare. In addition to urban markets like Salt Lake City and Boise, the brand is eyeing areas in the Midwest such as Wichita and Omaha, along with southern locales including New Orleans.

About Cousins Maine Lobster

Founded in 2012 by cousins Sabin Lomac and Jim Tselikis, Cousins Maine Lobster has successfully captured the essence of its Maine heritage and stirred the nation’s love for fresh, high-quality seafood through its appealing food trucks and restaurants. Their appearance on the popular television show Shark Tank brought them a partnership with real estate mogul Barbara Corcoran, which has significantly fueled the brand's growth ever since. Currently, CML is regarded as one of the top investments originated from the show due to its robust business model and outstanding market reception.

For more information regarding their franchise opportunities or to simply relish their delicious seafood, visit Cousins Maine Lobster. The excitement surrounding the new trucks in Indiana sets a promising stage for a larger culinary journey through the heart of seafood lovers in the Midwest.