Cousins Maine Lobster Expands into Missouri with New Food Truck in St. Louis
Cousins Maine Lobster Expands Its Reach to St. Louis
Cousins Maine Lobster (CML), a renowned fast-casual brand known for its delectable lobster rolls, is making significant strides in its expansion across the Midwest with a new food truck set to launch in St. Louis. This initiative comes after an agreement was signed with local entrepreneurs, Sam, Tommy, and Tarik Ramadan, who are eager to introduce this iconic Maine experience to their community.
Set to debut in April 2026, the St. Louis food truck represents the brand's commitment to bringing authentic Maine lobster to new regions. The Ramadans, with their entrepreneurial spirit and dedicated business acumen, are poised to lead this venture successfully. Tommy Ramadan, possessing a background in retail management, will oversee the truck's strategic direction while ensuring outstanding customer experiences. His younger brother Tarik will handle daily operations, supported by their father Sam, a seasoned entrepreneur with extensive experience in various commercial sectors.
The idea to bring CML to St. Louis originated when a neighboring food truck's visit sparked an overwhelming reaction from locals. Sam Ramadan described this moment, saying, "The excitement was incredible. We recognized then that CML had something special, and our passion for a unique food concept that could resonate with our community was ignited."
CML is no stranger to growth. The brand has successfully expanded its presence nationally, contributing nearly 20 new units this year alone in key markets such as Milwaukee, Grand Rapids, Albany, and more. With a goal of reaching 100 locations across 35 states by mid-2026, Cousins Maine Lobster continues to thrive in the competitive fast-casual seafood sector. The brand's inviting model allows family-driven entrepreneurs like the Ramadans to engage with their community while serving high-quality seafood.
Lindsay Herberger, CML’s Director of Franchise Development, expresses confidence in the Ramadans’ potential, emphasizing their family values and community-oriented approach. "They epitomize what our franchise stands for: family, hard work, and commitment to quality. We are excited to support them in bringing our authentic Maine offerings to St. Louis and introducing the local market to the rich flavors of Maine thanks to our food truck concept."
Cousins Maine Lobster uniquely combines the culinary heritage of Maine with the convenience of food trucks and restaurant dining. Co-founders Sabin Lomac and Jim Tselikis were inspired to create this brand from their family's traditions in Maine, making it their mission to share this culture with a broader audience. Since appearing on Shark Tank and gaining investment from Barbara Corcoran, CML has captivated consumers with its delicious offerings and dedication to franchise growth.
As the brand seeks additional operators for its food truck franchises, they are looking for passionate individuals ready to cater high-quality seafood and provide excellent service. With the business model designed for efficiency and flexibility, new operators can enter the market swiftly while keeping overhead costs low.
The expansion does not stop in St. Louis. CML is aiming to penetrate other promising markets, such as Salt Lake City, Boise, and key areas in the Midwest and South, indicating a robust future for the brand's footprint across America.
For more details on franchise opportunities with Cousins Maine Lobster, interested individuals can visit their official website, and stay connected via their social media platforms for updates on new launches and promotions.
With the introduction of the new St. Louis food truck, Cousins Maine Lobster is not just expanding its business; it’s inviting communities to savor the taste of Maine right on their streets. The Ramadans, committed to delivering both culinary delights and a memorable experience, are set to make a significant impact on the local food scene.