While looking for a new business venture to launch with his lifelong friend Matt Cobb, Dave Blosser said they zeroed in on a classic seafood dish: lobster.
“Lobster is awesome,” Blosser said. “It’s not a product that people have every day. All of this product comes down from the state of Maine … It’s a really unique product, unique market, and that’s why we’re going to be travelling across the state to share this experience of lobster products with the community.”
Cousins Maine Lobster, a casual seafood dining concept, will debut in Columbia on Feb. 27 at Finlay Park. This will be the company's first permanent truck in the state.
The company was founded in 2012, when a pair of cousins from Portland, Maine, Sabin Lomac and Jim Tselikis, decided they wanted to share the experience of Maine lobster with other parts of the United States. The two started their food truck business in Los Angeles.
Not long after the company’s launch, they were invited onto "Shark Tank," where Barbara Corcoran chose to invest in the brand. Over a decade later, Corcoran remains active in the company today. The company then began franchising in 2014 and now has over 60 food trucks across the U.S., as well as two brick-and-mortar locations in San Francisco, California, and Asbury Park, New Jersey.
Along with Blosser and Matt Cobb, the Columbia truck is owned by Matt Cobb's daughter Madison Cobb. Both Cobbs are USC graduates. Matt Cobb and Blosser own some other businesses together but were looking for a new opportunity they could involve Madison in. Matt Cobb said they came across this opportunity about a year ago and thought it was a perfect fit for their skill sets.
“We’re just really excited,” Matt Cobb said. “Both being alumni and bringing a product like this to this town means a lot to us and our family. We really hope the people of Columbia enjoy what we’re going to be serving.”
Blosser said that due to lobster’s scarcity in this part of the country, it is likely many South Carolinians haven’t had it before.
“You think about the coast of the Carolinas, and there’s not lobster,” Blosser said. “So for people who have not had the opportunity to have good lobster before, this is a great opportunity for them to try it.”
Although lobster is traditionally viewed as an expensive dish, Matt Cobb said Cousins Maine Lobster is inexpensive.
“I think this is an opportunity to have a premium product at an affordable price for what you’re getting,” Matt Cobb said.
The company’s staple product is lobster rolls, with three different types offered: the Maine roll, the Connecticut roll and the garlic butter roll. The menu also features other specialty items, such as quesadillas, tacos and grilled cheeses, where customers can add lobster or shrimp. Additionally, the truck serves clam chowder, lobster bisque and offers gluten-free options.
In addition to the entrees, Blosser said the truck's dessert and drink options continue to bring the taste of Maine. These two items are the whoopie pie and Maine Root soda.
Director of franchise development Lindsay Herberger describes the whoopie pie as two pieces of cake with a cream filling in the center. The dessert is native to New England. The brand also offers different flavors throughout the year, such as confetti and strawberry lemonade.
Due to the brand being primarily a food truck concept, Herberger said students can take advantage of its accessibility.
“We’re mobile. We’re moving around. We’re not going to only be in Columbia. We’re going to be outside of Columbia as well," Herberger said. "So we hope folks start following us on Facebook. You can find the schedule of where the truck's going to be, and you can, of course, always check out our website, and we list out the schedule for the week on there as well.”
Herberger said students could treat the truck as a place to go after an academic accomplishment.
“For the students … come and celebrate," Herberger said. "After you finish a final exam or a big paper, we hope you come treat yourself to a lobster roll.”
Although the truck is still yet to make its debut, the entrepreneurs are already planning an additional Charleston location. Matt Cobb said he's passionate about bringing the cuisine to the state.
"There's never been a dedicated truck in South Carolina for Cousins, and we wanted to bring that here," Matt Cobb said. "This is our home."
Cousins Maine Lobster will make its Columbia debut on Friday, Feb. 27, at Finlay Park starting at 3 p.m. The next day, Feb. 28, the truck can be found at the Battle of BullStreet at Segra Park starting at 11 a.m. The truck’s upcoming schedule can be found on the company’s website.