Fast-casual lobster roll brand Cousins Maine Lobster recently signed a three-unit franchise agreement to expand its presence across the Southeast. Business partners and long-time friends Dave Blosser and Matt Cobb will spearhead the launch of new Cousins Maine Lobster food trucks in Columbia, S.C., Charleston, S.C., and Birmingham, Ala.

The first truck is set to open in Columbia in February 2026, with service also extending into Augusta, Ga., as part of their territory. Charleston will follow in 2027, and Birmingham will welcome its truck in 2028.

Blosser and Cobb draw on more than a decade of collaboration and a mutual dedication for building strong, people-focused businesses. Their background as former multiunit franchisees in the waste management industry allows them to transfer those skills into the mobile food truck industry.

"We first fell in love with Cousins Maine Lobster as customers, but once we began exploring the franchise opportunity, we were struck by how genuine and welcoming the entire CML family is," said Blosser and Cobb. "The brand's focus on high-quality ingredients, great customer experiences, and a loyal fan base really stood out to us.

"We're excited to bring this unique food experience into our communities, create jobs, build a strong team culture, and even involve our kids as they learn about entrepreneurship. Along the way, it became clear it wasn't one moment that made us realize this opportunity was the right fit for us, but the relationships we built is what showed us CML was exactly what we were looking for."

Cousins Maine Lobster continues to be one of the fastest-growing fast-casual seafood concepts in the US, with nearly 20 new units added in 2025 across markets including Milwaukee, Wisc.; Grand Rapids, Mich.; Albany, N.Y.; Morgantown, W.V.; and Winston-Salem/Greensboro, N.C. With locations across more than 35 states, CML continues to expand its reach through flexible food truck and restaurant models that bring wild-caught Maine lobster to customers nationwide.

"We're thrilled to expand our footprint across the Southeast with operators as driven and talented as Dave and Matt," said Lindsay Herberger, director of franchise development at Cousins Maine Lobster. "Our franchisees join a family-focused brand known for quality, innovation, and strong systemwide performance.

"With Dave and Matt's leadership and operational strength, we're confident they'll create lasting momentum as they introduce our premium, wild-caught Maine lobster to customers across Columbia, Charleston, and Birmingham."

The Cousins Maine Lobster brand is currently targeting markets with strong demand for fast-casual seafood, including Salt Lake City, Utah, and Boise, Idaho; the Midwest, including Omaha, Neb., Wichita, Kan., and Springfield, Mo.; and areas across the South, including New Orleans, La.

Source: Cousins Maine Lobster