Cousins Maine Lobster is a seafood restaurant concept that has both brick-and-mortar and food truck locations. After appearing on Shark Tank, the brand gained widespread recognition and began growing nationwide. Now, the brand is known for its fresh, sustainable approach to seafood and a menu of both classic and innovative lobster dishes.

How Many Cousins Maine Lobster Locations Are There?

Cousins Maine Lobster currently has more than 65 Cousins Maine units across the country, with plans to reach 20 new units opened in 2024 alone before the end of the year. Because the brand has such versatile build-out options, including in-line, food hall and food truck models, it offers a more flexible opportunity for franchisees and is positioned to continue steady expansion across the U.S.

What Is the Cousins Maine Lobster Business Model?

Cousins Maine Lobster is a seafood restaurant concept serving soups, salads, sandwiches, lobster rolls and other specialties. With both brick-and-mortar restaurants and food truck models, Cousins Maine Lobster has a flexible model that can be tailored to meet the needs of individual franchisees and the demand that exists in their markets.

How Much Can Cousins Maine Lobster Franchise Owners Make?

The brand’s 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document shows sales for a few different locations within the system. The highest reported total gross sales in the 2024 Item 19 is $1,514,160, and the lowest reported total gross sales is $636,140.

How Much Does It Cost To Open a Cousins Maine Lobster?

The estimated initial investment required to begin the operation of a Cousins Maine Lobster franchise ranges from $266,700 to $968,900. This includes the following costs:

  • Initial Franchise Fee: $40,000
  • Application Fee: $1,000 - $7,000
  • Deposit Account: $20,000
  • Leasehold Improvements: $90,000 - $400,000
  • Rent and Security Deposit: $3,000 - $36,000
  • Utility Deposits: $0 - $5,000
  • Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment: $5,000 - $150,000
  • Initial Inventory: $30k000 - $80,000
  • Signage: $4,750 - $40,000
  • Insurance: $1,000 - $5,000
  • Office Equipment and Supplies: $250 - $5,000
  • Computer Equipment: $7,950 - $23,400
  • Travel and Living Expenses for Training: $5,000 - $10,000
  • Licenses and Permits: $2,000 - $15,000
  • Legal and Accounting: $5,000 - $15,000
  • General Contractor: $700 - $40,000
  • Grand Opening Advertising: $1,000 - $2,500
  • Additional Funds (3 Months): $50,000 - $75,000

What Is the Franchise Fee for Cousins Maine Lobster?

Cousins Maine Lobster charges a $40,000 franchise fee.

Who Is the Leadership of Cousins Maine Lobster?

What Helpful Articles Can I Read To Learn More?

Want to learn more about franchise opportunities on 1851 Franchise? Be sure to visit our Power Rankings to read more on brands making moves. 

Check out these three 1851 brands:

Toppers Pizza

Main Squeeze Juice Co.

Voodoo Brewing Co.

Every great franchisee had help buying a franchise. Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit www.1851growthclub.com and start your journey.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Nothing contained on this site constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer to buy or sell any franchises, securities, or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the franchise and/or securities laws of such jurisdiction. 

All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the detailed circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in the article constitutes professional and/or financial advice, nor does any information in the email constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in this article before making any decisions based on such information or other content.

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Morgan Wood

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Morgan Wood

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