Cousins Maine Lobster Brings Authentic Lobster Rolls to South Carolina
HOSPITALITY
With a dedicated team, its iconic truck, and authentic Maine lobster rolls, Cousins Maine Lobster is set to deliver an unforgettable experience in Columbia.
Columbia is getting its first taste of authentic Maine lobster this month as Cousins Maine Lobster opens its inaugural South Carolina food truck. The launch marks the fast-casual seafood brand's entry into the Palmetto State and introduces a new chapter for the company's Southeast expansion.
Business partners Dave Blosser and Matt Cobb are behind the new venture. The duo, who bring experience in multi-unit operations and customer-focused businesses, were drawn to Cousins Maine Lobster's mobile model, premium product quality, and franchisee support system. They see Columbia's growing dining and events scene as the perfect market to build a loyal following, and they're already planning a second truck for 2027.
"We're most excited for that first-bite moment," said Cobb and Blosser. "Seeing an authentic Maine lobster roll served in the heart of South Carolina is something really special. From the energy of the truck to the smell of the toasted New England rolls, we want guests to feel transported to the Maine coast."
From Maine to the Midlands
The Columbia truck will serve Cousins Maine Lobster's 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. The brand's "trap-to-truck" approach emphasizes sustainability and quality, with lobster sourced directly from Maine fishermen.
Blosser and Cobb experienced that supply chain firsthand during their training in Maine, where they saw how the lobsters are caught and prepared before making their way to customers. That connection to the product and the process is part of what convinced them to invest in the brand.
"Cousins Maine Lobster isn't just a brand, it's a standard," they said. "That commitment to quality and sustainability is something we've experienced firsthand. From training in Maine and seeing how the lobsters are caught to finally bringing the truck to Columbia, this journey has been incredibly rewarding, and we're proud to share it with the community."
Grand Opening Weekend
The Columbia truck will celebrate its official debut with a two-day grand opening event. On Friday, February 27, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM, the truck will be at Finlay Fridays – Live in the Park (930 Laurel Street) with live music in the evening. On Saturday, February 28, from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, the truck moves to Battle at BullStreet in Segra Park (1640 Freed Street) for one of college baseball's biggest rivalry matchups, Clemson University facing the University of South Carolina.
The Saturday event offers fans a chance to enjoy authentic Maine lobster rolls while soaking in the electric atmosphere of a major college sports rivalry. The community is invited to join the celebration and help welcome this new addition to the local food scene.
National Expansion Continues
Cousins Maine Lobster has grown significantly since co-founders Sabin Lomac and Jim Tselikis appeared on Shark Tank in 2012 and partnered with Barbara Corcoran. The brand has since become one of the show's top investments of all time, expanding through both food trucks and brick-and-mortar locations across the U.S.
"We're thrilled to welcome Dave and Matt into the Cousins Maine Lobster family and to establish our first permanent presence in South Carolina," said Lindsay Herberger, Director of Franchise Development at Cousins Maine Lobster. "Columbia is a fantastic market for our brand, and Dave and Matt's leadership, operational strength, and passion for building community make them ideal partners as we grow across the Southeast."
The brand is actively seeking qualified owner-operators interested in bringing high-quality seafood to their communities through a flexible, scalable business model. For those interested in learning more about franchise opportunities, visit cousinsmainelobster.com/franchise.
For updates on the Columbia food truck's schedule and locations, follow Cousins Maine Lobster Columbia on Facebook.