Columbia, SC, February 19, 2026
Columbia, SC, welcomes the popular Cousins Maine Lobster food truck as it opens its first permanent South Carolina location. Local entrepreneurs Dave Blosser and Matt Cobb are taking on the franchise, bringing authentic Maine lobster rolls and more to the Midlands. The new venture aims to enhance local dining options and support economic growth in the community, with plans for future expansion and a commitment to quality ingredients sourced directly from Maine. The grand opening is set to feature a two-day celebration with live music and delicious food.
Columbia Welcomes Entrepreneurial Spirit with Nationally Acclaimed Lobster Roll Food Truck
Columbia, SC, is set to experience a fresh wave of entrepreneurial innovation and culinary delight as Cousins Maine Lobster, the nationally recognized food truck brand, officially launches its first permanent South Carolina operation in the Capital City. This exciting expansion highlights the resilience of small businesses and the appealing pathways available to local entrepreneurs like Dave Blosser and Matt Cobb, who are bringing a beloved mobile culinary concept to the Midlands community. Their initiative is a testament to the power of private investment and a commitment to fostering vibrant local economies through unique dining experiences.
The arrival of Cousins Maine Lobster is more than just a new dining option; it represents the dynamic growth within South Carolina’s business landscape. By partnering with established franchise models, local operators are able to leverage proven strategies and a recognized brand to build successful ventures, contributing to job creation and economic vitality. This expansion underscores a positive trend in regional economic development, driven by individuals dedicated to enriching their communities.
A “Shark Tank” Success Story Rolls into South Carolina
The journey of Cousins Maine Lobster began in 2012 with cousins Jim Tselikis and Sabin Lomac, who started with a single food truck in Los Angeles, California, driven by a desire to share authentic Maine lobster rolls with a wider audience. Their entrepreneurial spirit quickly caught the attention of the hit television show “Shark Tank.”
During their appearance on “Shark Tank” in Season 4, Tselikis and Lomac sought an investment of $55,000 for a 5% share of their company. While initially facing skepticism from some investors regarding their valuation, they ultimately secured a deal with Barbara Corcoran, who invested $55,000 for 15% equity. This partnership provided the capital and mentorship necessary to significantly accelerate their growth.
The exposure from “Shark Tank” propelled Cousins Maine Lobster into national recognition, transforming their single food truck operation into a widespread franchise model. This early success demonstrates how strategic partnerships and media visibility can significantly bolster small businesses, allowing them to expand their reach and create new opportunities for franchisees across the country.
Local Entrepreneurs Championing Growth in Columbia
Spearheading the entry into South Carolina are business partners Dave Blosser and Matt Cobb, who are launching Columbia’s first permanent Cousins Maine Lobster food truck. Their decision to partner with the brand was influenced by its proven mobile model, commitment to product quality, and robust franchisee support system. Blosser and Cobb bring a strong background in multi-unit operations, team leadership, and customer-focused businesses, which are crucial assets for navigating the competitive food service industry.
The local entrepreneurs plan to introduce a second food truck in South Carolina in 2027, signaling a long-term commitment to serving the state’s residents and contributing to sustained economic development. This strategic expansion reflects an optimistic outlook for the brand’s reception in the region and highlights the appeal of Columbia as a growing hub for dining and community events.
Bringing Authentic Maine Flavor to the Midlands
Cousins Maine Lobster is renowned for its commitment to authenticity, sourcing genuine Maine lobster directly from small coastal communities. This dedication ensures high-quality ingredients and supports traditional fishing practices, bringing the genuine New England seafood experience to diners. The Columbia truck will feature the brand’s signature menu, which includes chilled Maine lobster rolls prepared with a light touch of mayonnaise on a New England-style roll, and warm butter lobster rolls.
Beyond the classic lobster rolls, the menu will also offer creative items such as lobster tacos, lobster grilled cheese, and traditional whoopie pies, providing a diverse selection for local palates. The “trap-to-truck” experience emphasizes freshness and quality, a business model that resonates with consumers seeking unique and premium culinary offerings.
The official Columbia debut of the Cousins Maine Lobster food truck is scheduled for a two-day grand opening event. Festivities will commence on Friday, February 27, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Finlay Fridays – Live in the Park, located at 930 Laurel Street, featuring live music. The celebration will continue on Saturday, February 28, from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM at Battle at BullStreet in Segra Park, situated at 1640 Freed Street. This Saturday event coincides with a college baseball rivalry matchup between Clemson University and the University of South Carolina, creating an exciting atmosphere for attendees to enjoy authentic Maine lobster.
Franchising: A Pathway to Nationwide Economic Growth
The Cousins Maine Lobster business model, with its emphasis on food trucks, catering services, and select brick-and-mortar locations, has proven to be a flexible and effective framework for expansion. The franchise system allows entrepreneurs to bring high-quality seafood to various communities without the significant overhead often associated with traditional restaurants.
Franchisees benefit from strong brand awareness and a robust support system, enabling efficient and cost-effective entry into new markets. This model fosters widespread economic activity, as each new unit contributes to local job markets and supplier networks. The brand’s national footprint has expanded to over 85 units across more than 30 states, with plans for over 30 new units projected in 2026.
The average unit volume for Cousins Maine Lobster food trucks reached approximately $1.3 million in 2024, demonstrating strong financial performance within the food truck sector. The initial investment for a Cousins Maine Lobster franchise ranges between $194,000 and $644,700 (Nationwide), covering various aspects from the franchise fee to a fully equipped mobile kitchen. This relatively lower barrier to entry compared to some traditional restaurants makes it an attractive option for aspiring business owners.
The success of Cousins Maine Lobster also highlights the broader impact of entrepreneurial ventures on regional economies. For instance, Maine’s aquaculture industry, which supplies the brand, contributed $137.6 million to the state’s economy in 2014 (State-level). By prioritizing direct sourcing, Cousins Maine Lobster supports not only its franchisees but also the foundational industries that make its product possible.
Conclusion: Celebrating Charleston’s Future and Supporting Local Visionaries
The arrival of Cousins Maine Lobster in Columbia, spearheaded by local entrepreneurs Dave Blosser and Matt Cobb, is a vibrant example of how innovation and dedicated business ownership can drive economic growth and enhance community offerings. It reflects a positive trend where individuals, through strategic franchising and a commitment to quality, are building successful enterprises that benefit both their customers and the wider regional economy.
As Charleston and the Lowcountry continue to evolve, supporting such entrepreneurial endeavors is crucial for sustained prosperity. We encourage all residents to welcome and patronize new businesses like Cousins Maine Lobster, recognizing the significant contributions that local innovation and private investment make to our collective economic future. Staying engaged with the burgeoning Charleston SC business scene and championing South Carolina entrepreneurs ensures a dynamic and thriving community for all.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the official grand opening of the Cousins Maine Lobster food truck in Columbia, SC?
The official Columbia debut of the Cousins Maine Lobster food truck is scheduled for a two-day grand opening event, kicking off Friday, February 27, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Finlay Fridays – Live in the Park (930 Laurel Street) with live music, and continuing Saturday, February 28, from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM at Battle at BullStreet in Segra Park (1640 Freed Street).
Who are the local entrepreneurs bringing Cousins Maine Lobster to Columbia, SC?
Business partners and longtime friends Dave Blosser and Matt Cobb are spearheading the launch of the Cousins Maine Lobster food truck in Columbia, SC.
What kind of food does Cousins Maine Lobster serve?
Cousins Maine Lobster serves its signature menu, including chilled Maine lobster rolls with a light touch of mayo on a New England-style roll, warm butter lobster rolls, lobster tacos, lobster grilled cheese, and classic whoopie pies.
What was Cousins Maine Lobster’s initial investment on ‘Shark Tank’?
During their appearance on ‘Shark Tank’ in Season 4, Jim Tselikis and Sabin Lomac sought an investment of $55,000 for a 5% share of their company. They ultimately secured a deal with Barbara Corcoran for $55,000 for 15% equity.
What is the typical initial investment for a Cousins Maine Lobster franchise?
The estimated initial investment required to begin the operation of a Cousins Maine Lobster franchise ranges from $194,000 to $644,700 (Nationwide).
What were the average unit sales for Cousins Maine Lobster food trucks in 2024?
The average unit volume for Cousins Maine Lobster food trucks reached approximately $1.3 million in 2024 (Nationwide).
Key Features of Cousins Maine Lobster’s Expansion into Columbia
| Feature | Detail | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Opening Date | February 27-28, 2026 | Columbia, SC |
| Key Locations | Finlay Fridays – Live in the Park (Feb 27), Battle at BullStreet in Segra Park (Feb 28) | Columbia, SC |
| Local Operators | Dave Blosser and Matt Cobb | South Carolina |
| Planned Future Expansion | Second food truck in South Carolina in 2027 | South Carolina |
| Initial ‘Shark Tank’ Investment | $55,000 for 15% equity from Barbara Corcoran | Nationwide |
| Typical Franchise Investment | $194,000 to $644,700 | Nationwide |
| Average 2024 Food Truck Sales | Approximately $1.3 million per unit | Nationwide |
| Maine Lobster Industry Contribution | $137.6 million to the state’s economy in 2014 | State-level |
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