Cousins Maine Lobster, the fast-casual seafood brand made famous by its appearance on Shark Tank, is officially launching in St. Louis as part of a nationwide expansion strategy.
Known for its wild-caught Maine lobster rolls, the company plans to bring its food truck to International Tap House (June 25) and 2nd Shift Brewing (June 28).
Flexible Food Truck Model Drives National Growth
Founded in 2012 by cousins Jim Tselikis and Sabin Lomac, Cousins Maine Lobster gained national attention after landing a deal with Barbara Corcoran on Shark Tank.
Since then, the brand has grown rapidly through franchising, offering entrepreneurs a chance to operate lower-overhead food trucks instead of traditional storefronts.
Currently, the company operates 85 units across 35+ states and plans to open 30 new units in 2025, aiming to reach 100 locations by year-end.
High Demand and Strong Economics for Franchisees
According to Lindsay Herberger, Director of Franchise Development, the brand’s entry into St. Louis is part of a broader effort to expand into underserved urban markets.
“We want to bring our unique product and customer experience to more seafood lovers nationwide,” Herberger said. “Our franchisees enjoy a flexible, efficient, and scalable business model with strong unit economics.”
The company reports that its food truck franchisees average $1.3 million in annual unit volume (AUV), with many operators owning six or more units and expanding through multi-year plans.
Surprise and Delight Model Maximizes Reach
The Cousins Maine Lobster model focuses on launching multiple food trucks in a region rather than opening single fixed locations.
This “surprise and delight” approach allows for greater reach, faster market testing, and lower startup costs — appealing to both entrepreneurs and loyal fans of the brand.
Recruitment Expands Beyond Missouri
Following successful expansions into Kansas City and Louisville, the company is actively recruiting new franchisees in markets such as:
- Seattle
- Boise
- Indianapolis
- Des Moines
- Little Rock
- Charleston, South Carolina
These cities represent the next phase of growth for one of the fastest-growing seafood concepts in the U.S.
With its debut in St. Louis, Cousins Maine Lobster continues its mission to bring premium, authentic lobster dishes to communities across the country.
Backed by national brand recognition, a proven franchise system, and high consumer demand, the company’s expansion offers an exciting opportunity for seafood lovers and aspiring business owners alike.