Cousins Maine Lobster Expands to Gainesville and Savannah

News Summary

Cousins Maine Lobster (CML) is set to introduce new food trucks in Gainesville, Florida, and Savannah, Georgia, marking its eighth location in Florida and third in Georgia. Operated by entrepreneurs Damon Cole and Mandy Ottesen, the food truck will debut in July 2025, offering a menu featuring premium lobster rolls. With plans to open 30 new units by 2025, CML continues to emphasize quality seafood and community engagement, aiming to expand its reach across the southeastern United States.

Gainesville, Florida – Cousins Maine Lobster (CML), a rapidly growing seafood chain known for its lobster dishes, is set to expand its presence in the southeastern United States with the introduction of new food trucks in Gainesville, Florida, and Savannah, Georgia. This expansion marks the brand’s eighth location in Florida and its third in Georgia, reflecting its growing popularity and commitment to delivering authentic Maine seafood to diverse communities.

The new food truck, which will be operated by entrepreneurs Damon Cole and Mandy Ottesen, is slated to debut in July 2025. It will feature a menu rich with premium lobster rolls and other signature Maine favorites, underscoring CML’s dedication to quality and authenticity. Cole and Ottesen have previously demonstrated their business acumen by successfully launching a CML truck in Jacksonville, Florida, in November 2024, and they are looking forward to bringing the CML experience to a broader audience.

Damon Cole, who has a background as a marine engineer with nearly two decades of international navigational experience, is passionate about sharing the rich traditions of Maine lobster with the communities he serves. Mandy Ottesen brings over 15 years of experience in the franchise industry, having operated a lice removal business, and is known for her commitment to community service. Together, they emphasize a focus on high-quality food and community engagement, which forms the cornerstone of their business philosophy.

CML continues to establish itself as a significant player in the food industry, as it has ambitious plans to open 30 new units by the end of 2025, aiming to achieve a total of 100 operational sites. The franchise onboards new partners consistently, having executed over 30 development agreements in 2024 alone, which included expansions into cities such as Kansas City and Louisville. Each CML franchisee is expected to own an average of six units, with the average food truck generating an annual revenue of $1.3 million, indicating strong financial viability and growth potential.

Lindsay Herberger, the Director of Franchise Development at CML, voiced confidence in the ability of Cole and Ottesen to drive the brand forward. Their collective experience and dedication to creating a high-quality food experience position them well to introduce the CML brand to new markets effectively.

Founded in 2012 by cousins Sabin Lomac and Jim Tselikis, Cousins Maine Lobster gained national attention with its appearance on “Shark Tank,” where it secured a partnership with business mogul Barbara Corcoran. This pivotal moment allowed CML to expand beyond its initial California roots and embrace a national franchise model. Today, the brand operates food trucks, brick-and-mortar restaurants, and a gourmet online shop that connects consumers with live Maine lobsters, directly delivering the iconic taste of the coast to homes nationwide.

With a firm commitment to quality seafood and operational efficiency, Cousins Maine Lobster is poised for continued growth, as it seeks to delight customers and establish enduring connections within the communities it serves.

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Additional Resources

• Savannah Business Journal
• Wikipedia: Lobster
• Seafood News
• Google Search: Cousins Maine Lobster
• USA Today
• Google Scholar: seafood business
• Fox 5 Atlanta
• Encyclopedia Britannica: seafood
• Fox 5 Atlanta
• Google News: CML