Cousins Maine Lobster
DealSpecialty Food
Cousins Maine Lobster, the specialty food, landed on the national radar after pitching the sharks in Season 4, and convinced Barbara Corcoran to invest.
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From the show
The Shark Tank pitch
- $55K
- Asked for
- 5%
- Offered equity
- $1.1M
- Sought valuation
- $55K
- Deal amount
- 15%
- Deal equity
- $367K
- Deal valuation
Jim Tselikis and Sabin Lomac faced the sharks in Season 4, Episode 6 in the episode that aired October 19, 2012, bringing their Los Angeles, CA business with them. Cousins Maine Lobster, the specialty food, pitched in the Food & Drink category, one of 318 food & drink businesses to brave the Tank across all 17 seasons.
They came in asking $55,000 in exchange for 5% equity, putting a $1.1M valuation on the business.
Barbara Corcoran made the deal at $55,000 for 15% equity. That priced the company at $367K, a haircut from the $1.1M the founders walked in asking for, which is how negotiations in the Tank usually go.
Across Season 4, 52 of 103 pitches ended in a handshake. In the Food & Drink category overall, roughly 61% of pitches have landed a shark across the show's history.
The full story
Everything to know about Cousins Maine Lobster
Cousins Maine Lobster started as a single food truck in Los Angeles serving authentic Maine lobster rolls, lobster bisque, and related seafood far from the East Coast. The company was founded by cousins Jim Tselikis and Sabin Lomac, both Maine natives who wanted to bring the lobster they grew up with to customers across the country in a fast, casual format.
The cousins came in asking for just 55,000 dollars for 5 percent, a tight, confident offer reflecting their early sales. Barbara Corcoran connected with their hometown story and their drive, and she invested 55,000 dollars for 15 percent. The cousins accepted, gaining not just capital but a hands-on partner with a strong track record in scaling small operators.
Cousins Maine Lobster stood out for its authenticity and clear growth plan. The product was already selling well off one truck, the founders had genuine ties to the source, and the food-truck-to-franchise model gave Barbara a tangible path to expansion. It became one of the show's standout food success stories.
Where Cousins Maine Lobster is now
With Barbara Corcoran's guidance, the brand expanded aggressively from one truck into a national franchise network of trucks, carts, and brick-and-mortar locations, while also moving into shipping and catering. The Shark Tank exposure plus a strong franchising playbook turned a local favorite into a recognized nationwide seafood brand.
Cousins Maine Lobster is thriving in 2026. The company has reported surpassing one billion dollars in systemwide sales since its founding, operates dozens of units across many states, and continues opening new locations. It remains one of the most successful businesses ever to come out of Shark Tank.
Where to buy Cousins Maine Lobster
You can find Cousins Maine Lobster through its food trucks and restaurant locations across many states, and the brand also ships lobster and seafood and offers catering through its official website. Menu staples include the Maine-style and Connecticut-style lobster rolls, lobster bisque, and lobster tails. Given its scale and longevity, it remains a reliable choice for fans of fresh-shipped Maine lobster or a quick lobster roll on the go.
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Frequently asked questions
Where can I buy Cousins Maine Lobster?
Check current price and availability on Amazon. Note that some Shark Tank products are discontinued or sold under a new name. The company's official website is another option.
Did Cousins Maine Lobster get a deal on Shark Tank?
Yes. Cousins Maine Lobster closed a deal for $55,000 in exchange for 15% equity, with Barbara Corcoran.
Which shark invested in Cousins Maine Lobster?
Barbara Corcoran invested in Cousins Maine Lobster ($55,000 total as aired).
What season of Shark Tank was Cousins Maine Lobster on?
Cousins Maine Lobster appeared in Season 4, Episode 6, which aired October 19, 2012.
How much was Cousins Maine Lobster asking for on Shark Tank?
The founders asked for $55,000 for 5% of the company, a $1.1M valuation.
Is Cousins Maine Lobster still in business?
Yes. It is one of Shark Tank's biggest success stories, operating a large franchise network of food trucks and restaurants nationwide and shipping seafood directly to customers.
Which shark invested in Cousins Maine Lobster?
Barbara Corcoran invested 55,000 dollars for 15 percent equity and became a key partner in the company's franchise expansion.
Where can I buy Cousins Maine Lobster?
You can visit its food trucks and restaurant locations, or order lobster and seafood shipped from the official website, which also offers catering.
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