#United States #Franchise Growth #Portland #Cousins Maine Lobster #Lobster Roll

Cousins Maine Lobster Expanding Nationwide: 2025 Growth Plans

Cousins Maine Lobster (CML), the well-known fast-casual restaurant brand recognized for its authentic Maine lobster dishes, is enjoying remarkable growth as it approaches the halfway mark of 2025. Following its thirteenth anniversary in April, the company has achieved several important milestones, including the successful launch of new food trucks, signing development agreements, and surpassing $1 billion in systemwide sales. With ventures across 35 states, CML currently operates 85 units and sets its sights on reaching the milestone of 100 by year-end.

The brand has made significant strides in previously untapped markets while reinforcing its presence in established areas. For instance, in April, they celebrated the opening of their 85th unit in Grand Rapids, Michigan, marking further expansion west of Detroit. Furthermore, the company has relaunched services in Oklahoma City through current operators, enhancing its reach across Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Texas. New truck openings have also occurred in Central Illinois, as well as additional units in locations such as Pittsburgh, Syracuse, Albany, and parts of Southwest Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Excitingly, CML will debut its first-ever truck in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and expand further into West Michigan with a new unit in Kalamazoo. This extensive rollout aligns with the increasing demand for premium, wild-caught Maine lobster offered in convenient, fast-casual dining formats.

In addition to its impressive openings, Cousins Maine Lobster has established development agreements with franchisees in California and Wisconsin. Existing franchise owners are also committing to new units across various states, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, New Mexico, and Arizona. To facilitate further growth, Cousins Maine Lobster is actively seeking franchise partners in strategic areas across the Midwest, Southeast, and West.

Jim Tselikis, co-founder of Cousins Maine Lobster, expressed pride in the brand's progress, emphasizing that the increasing excitement for their unique offerings is a testament to the hard work of their dedicated operators. He highlighted the importance of their food trucks and brick-and-mortar locations in delivering genuine Maine flavors to communities across the nation.

Menu innovation is a significant focus for CML, which recently introduced its first-ever new lobster roll offering, the Garlic Butter Lobster Roll. This new item features warm, wild-caught Maine lobster smothered in rich garlic butter and served on a toasted roll, instantly becoming a hit among customers. Additionally, CML is playing around with seasonal flavors such as its limited-time Pink Lemonade Whoopie Pie, bringing fun and refreshing takes on classic treats.

Today, Cousins Maine Lobster stands out as one of the fastest-growing seafood franchises in the United States, projecting the opening of 20 new units within this year. They are on track to become a brand with 100 locations by the end of 2025. Beyond company-led expansions into markets like Kansas City and Louisville, CML has secured over 30 development agreements with eager franchisees. They recognize the crucial role that franchise partners play in enhancing customer experiences, successful marketing strategies, and facilitating new unit developments. On average, each Cousins Maine Lobster franchisee owns six units, driving an average unit volume of $1.3 million with plans for multi-year growth.

As they approach their coveted 100-unit milestone, co-founder Sabin Lomac reinforces their mission of creating memorable experiences tied to the authentic taste of Maine lobster. Lomac stated that they are committed to sustainable growth, innovative offerings, and supporting franchisees to ensure long-term success. This spirit of determination highlights their accomplishments thus far and sets an optimistic tone for the future as they navigate the rest of the year.

Cousins Maine Lobster is searching for passionate entrepreneurs dedicated to providing excellent food and customer service. With a highly adaptable business model, operators can establish food trucks within a remarkably short period of just three to six months. Low overhead and labor expenses enable them to penetrate markets effectively and affordably. CML is focusing on locations with strong demands for high-quality, fast-casual seafood, including cities like San Diego, California; Reno, Nevada; and regions across the Midwest such as St. Louis, Missouri; Des Moines, Iowa; and Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Based in Portland, Maine, Cousins Maine Lobster is a thriving seafood franchise that delivers authentic Maine lobster to communities across the nation through both food trucks and physical restaurants. Founded in 2012 by cousins Jim Tselikis and Sabin Lomac, the brand quickly gained fame following a successful pitch on Shark Tank, leading to rapid expansion and recognition as a leading franchise offering consistent quality, hospitality, and unforgettable dining experiences. As they continue to serve seafood lovers and explore new market opportunities, Cousins Maine Lobster remains dedicated to setting the industry standard for premium Maine lobster offerings.

To learn more about franchise opportunities with Cousins Maine Lobster, visit their franchise page at Cousins Maine Lobster Franchise. To locate a Cousins Maine Lobster unit near you, check their website at Cousins Maine Lobster Locations.