Cousins Maine Lobster Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
Cousins Maine Lobster, founded in 2012 by cousins Sabin Lomac and Jim Tselikis, has quickly gained prominence in the food industry.
Inspired by a passion for sharing Maine’s famous lobster, the franchise has grown rapidly, showcasing the founders’ love for their home state’s cuisine.
Based in West Hollywood, California, Cousins Maine Lobster began franchising in 2013.
The franchise is known for its signature lobster dishes, including their famous lobster rolls, rich lobster bisque, and creative lobster tacos. The brand is celebrated for its excellence and innovation in seafood offerings
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Cousins Maine Lobster Franchise Initial Investment
It costs on average between $224,000- $898,000 to start a Cousins Maine Lobster franchised restaurant.
This includes construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operating expenses.
The exact amount depends on various factors, including the type of restaurant you choose, the location, and whether the franchisee chooses to lease or purchase the property.
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $40,000 |
| Application Fee | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| Deposit Account | $20,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $90,000 – $350,000 |
| Rent and Security Deposit | $3,000 – $36,000 |
| Utility Deposits | $0 – $5,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment | $5,000 – $150,000 |
| Initial Inventory (Startup Package) | $30,000 – $80,000 |
| Signage | $4,750 – $27,500 |
| Insurance | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| Office Equipment & Supplies | $250 – $5,000 |
| Computer Equipment (Hardware, Software, POS System, etc.) | $7,950 – $23,400 |
| Travel and Living Expenses for Training | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| Licenses & Permits | $2,000 – $15,000 |
| Legal & Accounting | $3,500 – $12,500 |
| General Contractor | $750 – $40,000 |
| Grand Opening Advertising | $1,000 – $2,500 |
| Additional Funds – three months | $50,000 – $75,000 |
| Total estimated initial investment: | $224,450 – $897,900 |
Cousins Maine Lobster Franchise Average Revenue (AUV)
A Cousins Maine Lobster franchised restaurant makes on average $704,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.
Here is the extract from the Franchise Disclosure Document:
This compares to $1,132,000 yearly revenue for similar other food franchises. Below are 10 Cousins Maine Lobster competitors as a comparison:
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We have compiled the list of the top 400 franchises across 9 industries. Download the report below.
Cousins Maine Lobster Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Cousins Maine Lobster locations are there?
As of the latest data, Cousins Maine Lobster has approximately 66 food trucks and 5 brick-and-mortar locations across the United States.
The company is expanding rapidly, with plans to reach a 100-unit footprint by the middle of 2025. Most of these locations are franchised, and they continue to grow in both new and existing markets.
What is the total investment required to open a Cousins Maine Lobster franchise?
The total investment required to open a Cousins Maine Lobster franchise ranges from $224,000- $898,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Cousins Maine Lobster franchise?
Cousins Maine Lobster franchisees are required to pay a 6% to 8% royalty fee on gross sales. Additionally, there is a 2% marketing fee to promote the brand across different markets.
What are the financial requirements to become a Cousins Maine Lobster franchisee?
To qualify as a Cousins Maine Lobster franchisee, you need a minimum net worth of $500,000 and at least $100,000 in liquid assets.
How much can a Cousins Maine Lobster franchise owner expect to earn?
The average gross sales for a Cousins Maine Lobster franchise are approximately $0.7 million per location. Assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $0.7 million yearly revenue can result in $105,000 EBITDA annually.
Who owns Cousins Maine Lobster?
Cousins Maine Lobster is owned by Jim Tselikis and Sabin Lomac, who co-founded the company in 2012. The business gained significant attention after their appearance on the television show Shark Tank, where it secured an investment from Barbara Corcoran.
While Tselikis and Lomac continue to lead the company, Corcoran remains a key investor and advisor in the brand’s ongoing growth.
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