Cousins Maine Lobster has an estimated business value of $50 million to $100 million in 2026, based on its nationwide franchise expansion, strong annual sales, and more than $1 billion in cumulative systemwide sales. The company remains privately owned, so its exact valuation has not been publicly disclosed.
Cousins Maine Lobster Net Worth 2026
Cousins Maine Lobster is one of the most successful food businesses to appear on Shark Tank. Since launching in 2012, the company has expanded from one food truck into a large franchise brand operating across the United States.
Because the company is privately held, there is no official public net worth. However, industry estimates place the business value between $50 million and $100 million in 2026. This estimate is supported by the company’s franchise network, continued revenue growth, and long history of strong sales.
Estimated Company Snapshot
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Net Worth (2026) | $50 million to $100 million (estimated) |
| Company Type | Private |
| Founded | 2012 |
| Headquarters | Florida, United States |
| Industry | Food Truck and Fast Casual Restaurant |
| Founders | Jim Tselikis and Sabin Lomac |
| Shark Tank Investor | Barbara Corcoran |
Quick Company Profile
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Cousins Maine Lobster |
| Founded | 2012 |
| Founders | Jim Tselikis and Sabin Lomac |
| Original Business | Food Truck |
| Products | Lobster rolls, lobster tacos, seafood meals |
| Business Model | Franchised food trucks and restaurants |
| Service Area | United States |
Who Founded Cousins Maine Lobster?
Cousins Maine Lobster was founded by Jim Tselikis and Sabin Lomac, who are real cousins from Maine.
After moving to Los Angeles, they realized that authentic Maine lobster was difficult to find. They decided to bring fresh Maine lobster to California through a food truck.
The founders focused on serving high quality lobster while maintaining the traditional taste of Maine seafood. Their idea quickly became popular and attracted long customer lines within weeks of opening.
Cousins Maine Lobster Biography
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Cousins Maine Lobster |
| Founded | 2012 |
| Age (2026) | 14 Years |
| Founders | Jim Tselikis and Sabin Lomac |
| Headquarters | Florida, United States |
| Industry | Food Truck and Fast Casual Restaurant |
| Estimated Net Worth (2026) | $50 Million to $100 Million (Estimated) |
| Annual Revenue | Not Publicly Disclosed |
| Systemwide Sales | Over $1 Billion (Cumulative) |
| Business Type | Privately Held Company |
| Shark Tank Investor | Barbara Corcoran |
| Products | Lobster Rolls, Seafood Meals, Lobster Tacos, Chowders, Bisque |
| Service Area | United States |
| Franchise Model | Food Trucks and Restaurants |
| Number of Locations | 85+ Franchise Units |
| Family | Founded by cousins Jim Tselikis and Sabin Lomac. The company is not family-owned beyond its founding relationship. |
| Official Website | cousinsmainelobster.com |
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Cousins Maine Lobster Shark Tank Deal
The company appeared on Shark Tank Season 4 in 2012.
The founders initially asked for:
| Request | Amount |
|---|---|
| Investment Requested | $55,000 |
| Equity Offered | 5% |
After negotiations, Barbara Corcoran invested:
| Final Deal | Details |
|---|---|
| Investment | $55,000 |
| Equity Given | 15% |
| Investor | Barbara Corcoran |
Barbara believed the founders had built a unique brand with strong growth potential. Her investment also gave the business national exposure through the television show.
Did the Shark Tank Deal Close?
Yes.
The investment officially closed after the show aired.
Barbara Corcoran became a minority owner, while Jim Tselikis and Sabin Lomac continued to control and manage the company. The founders have said that Barbara played an important role in helping the business expand through franchising.
Cousins Maine Lobster Revenue
The company does not publicly release complete financial statements, but several milestones have been announced.
Revenue Highlights
| Year | Business Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2012 | Around $150,000 in early sales before Shark Tank |
| 2013 | Revenue increased significantly after national exposure |
| 2017 | More than $20 million in annual revenue reported |
| 2025 | Surpassed $1 billion in cumulative systemwide sales |
| 2026 | Continues nationwide franchise growth |
The business earns money from several sources.
- Food truck sales
- Restaurant sales
- Franchise fees
- Franchise royalty income
- Online seafood products
- Catering services
- Merchandise
Crossing $1 billion in total systemwide sales is one of the company’s biggest business achievements.
Business Growth After Shark Tank
The Shark Tank appearance transformed the company.
Before the show, Cousins Maine Lobster operated only one food truck.
Today, it has expanded into one of America’s largest seafood food truck brands.
Growth highlights include:
| Business Growth | Result |
|---|---|
| Started with | 1 food truck |
| Current Network | More than 85 franchise units |
| States Served | More than 30 states |
| Brand Recognition | National |
| Franchise Expansion | Continues each year |
The company continues opening new franchise territories while maintaining its focus on authentic Maine lobster.
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Why Cousins Maine Lobster Became Successful
Several factors helped the company grow.
Authentic Maine Seafood
The founders built supplier relationships in Maine to deliver fresh lobster to customers across the country.
Strong Brand Identity
The company focuses on authentic recipes instead of offering a large menu.
Shark Tank Exposure
Millions of viewers learned about the business after its television appearance.
Franchising
The franchise model allowed rapid expansion without owning every location.
Consistent Menu
Customers receive similar products regardless of location, helping build trust in the brand.
Cousins Maine Lobster Business Model
The company combines several income streams.
| Revenue Source | Description |
|---|---|
| Food Trucks | Daily food sales |
| Restaurants | Permanent dining locations |
| Franchise Fees | Payments from new franchise owners |
| Royalties | Ongoing percentage of franchise sales |
| Catering | Private and corporate events |
| Online Sales | Seafood products and meal kits |
This diversified model helps reduce dependence on a single source of income.
How Many Locations Does Cousins Maine Lobster Have?
As of 2026, the company operates more than 85 franchise units across 30 plus states, with additional territories continuing to open.
Most locations are food trucks, while some are fast casual restaurants.
Who Owns Cousins Maine Lobster?
Ownership remains primarily with the founders.
The ownership structure includes:
| Owner | Role |
|---|---|
| Jim Tselikis | Co Founder |
| Sabin Lomac | Co Founder |
| Barbara Corcoran | Minority Investor |
Individual franchise owners operate local locations, but they do not own the parent company.
Cousins Maine Lobster Timeline
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2012 | Company founded in Los Angeles |
| 2012 | Appeared on Shark Tank |
| 2012 | Barbara Corcoran invested $55,000 |
| 2014 | Franchise expansion began |
| 2017 | Annual revenue exceeded $20 million |
| 2025 | Passed $1 billion in cumulative systemwide sales |
| 2026 | Continues expanding nationwide |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cousins Maine Lobster net worth in 2026?
The company is estimated to be worth between $50 million and $100 million. Since it is privately owned, no official valuation has been released.
Who owns Cousins Maine Lobster?
The business is owned by founders Jim Tselikis and Sabin Lomac, with Barbara Corcoran holding a minority ownership stake following her Shark Tank investment.
How much did Barbara Corcoran invest?
Barbara Corcoran invested $55,000 in exchange for 15% equity in the company during Shark Tank.
How much revenue has Cousins Maine Lobster generated?
The company announced that it surpassed $1 billion in cumulative systemwide sales in 2025, reflecting total sales generated across its franchise network since the business was founded.
How many Cousins Maine Lobster locations are there?
The brand operates more than 85 franchise units across 30 plus U.S. states, with additional expansion continuing.
When was Cousins Maine Lobster founded?
The company was founded in 2012 by cousins Jim Tselikis and Sabin Lomac after they moved from Maine to Los Angeles.
