Gary, Ind. — Cousins Maine Lobster signed a multi unit franchise agreement to operate two food trucks in Indiana. The first truck launches in Gary and South Bend markets in March 2026. A second truck opens in Fort Wayne in 2027. The deal marks Cousins Maine Lobster’s entry into Indiana.
According to Cousins Maine Lobster’s announcement, franchisees Hussein Kourani and Al Obaid will operate the trucks. Both work as deputy sheriffs and are brothers in law. The trucks will serve lobster rolls, lobster tacos, lobster grilled cheese, and whoopie pies.
Al Obaid stated in the press release:
“Joining the Cousins Maine Lobster team allows us to build something lasting for our families. It’s a brand built on trust and passion, and we’re proud to carry that forward here in Indiana. We’re looking forward to introducing the Indiana communities to the lively spirit and delicious food that CML has to offer its customers.”
Cousins Maine Lobster has opened nearly 20 new units in 2025 expanding into Milwaukee, Grand Rapids, Albany, Morgantown, and Winston Salem Greensboro markets. The brand plans to open its 100th unit in the first half of 2026 across more than 35 states.
Franchise Expansion Strategy
Cousins Maine Lobster operates through food truck and restaurant models. The company founded in 2012 by cousins Sabin Lomac and Jim Tselikis partnered with Barbara Corcoran on Shark Tank. The brand positions itself as one of the fastest growing fast casual seafood concepts in the U.S.
Food trucks launch in three to six months according to the company. The model offers lower overhead and labor costs compared to restaurant formats. Cousins Maine Lobster targets markets with demand for fast casual seafood including Salt Lake City, Boise, Wichita, Omaha, and New Orleans.
Lindsay Herberger, Director of Franchise Development at Cousins Maine Lobster, stated in the press release:
“We’re looking forward to CML expanding across the country through enthusiastic operators like Hussein and Al. At Cousins, we offer entrepreneurs the opportunity to become part of a family-owned business that surprises and delights customers with high-quality products, efficient operations, and strong unit economics for franchisees.”
More Expansion News
Update: January 2026 While the Hoosier State gets its first taste of Maine, the brand is also busy strengthening its roots in established markets further south. Cousins Maine Lobster has just confirmed its official return to Charlotte, North Carolina, with a grand opening celebration led by veteran multi-unit franchisees. To get the details on the new Queen City truck and its launch event, read our full report on the Cousins Maine Lobster Charlotte Return.
The move mirrors a wider lobster-focused push across foodservice. In January 2026, Red Lobster will return with its annual Lobsterfest promotion, underscoring how brands of all sizes are using lobster as a seasonal driver of traffic and menu differentiation.
Why It Matters
Cousins Maine Lobster’s Indiana expansion demonstrates how specialized seafood concepts are entering Midwest markets through mobile food truck formats rather than fixed restaurant locations. Food trucks provide market testing capabilities with lower capital requirements than traditional restaurant buildouts.
For seafood suppliers and cold chain logistics providers, franchise expansion creates distributed demand for Maine lobster across non coastal markets. Cousins Maine Lobster sources wild caught Maine lobster requiring frozen distribution networks reaching inland markets. Suppliers must maintain consistent product quality across longer transportation routes compared to coastal restaurant supply.
The March 2026 and 2027 launch timeline allows suppliers to establish relationships before operations begin. Lobster suppliers need food truck specific portion sizes and packaging. Individual lobster roll portions differ from bulk restaurant purchasing patterns. Co packers processing lobster meat for food service applications should note food trucks typically order smaller quantities with higher delivery frequency compared to restaurants maintaining larger inventory.
Food truck operations create specific equipment requirements. Mobile kitchens require compact refrigeration, cooking equipment meeting local health codes, and point of sale systems. Equipment suppliers serving food truck operators must provide solutions fitting limited space while maintaining food safety standards for seafood handling.
The franchise model’s emphasis on three to six month launch timelines indicates streamlined permitting and equipment procurement processes. Municipalities regulate food truck operations through health permits, business licenses, and location restrictions. Franchise systems providing permitting support and equipment vendor relationships reduce franchisee startup complexity.
FAQs
When will Cousins Maine Lobster open in Indiana?
Cousins Maine Lobster’s first Indiana food truck launches in Gary and South Bend markets in March 2026. A second truck opens in Fort Wayne in 2027. Franchisees Hussein Kourani and Al Obaid will operate both trucks serving lobster rolls, lobster tacos, and lobster grilled cheese.
How many locations does Cousins Maine Lobster operate?
Cousins Maine Lobster opened nearly 20 new units in 2025 and plans to reach its 100th unit in the first half of 2026 across more than 35 states. The brand operates through food truck and restaurant models, launching food trucks in three to six months.
About Source86
Source86 connects food manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers with sourcing opportunities across the CPG industry. Cousins Maine Lobster’s franchise expansion exemplifies specialized seafood distribution requiring coordination between Maine lobster suppliers, cold chain logistics providers, and food truck equipment manufacturers supporting mobile food service operations.
Looking to supply Maine lobster, seafood products, or food truck equipment to expanding franchise concepts? Source86’s platform connects you with restaurant franchisors and seafood distributors. Contact us to explore partnerships in seafood supply chain and mobile food service.
