The early days of Cousins Maine Lobster are very similar to those of Apple or Facebook, in that they were founded by men in California. In 2011, as Father Winter deposited snow on Boston, Jim made the trek out to Los Angeles to visit Sabin, for some vitamin D and to reconnect with Sabin. Over an afternoon of playing NHL ‘94, a game they began playing in Maine when it was released and still played on a daily basis in the CML offices 20 years later, the Cousins discussed business opportunities.

They talked childhood, huge pots boiling in the backyard, running around with buttery ears of corn (pronounced “Kahn”) and picnic tables built for 8 seating 10 messy, bibbed kids elbows deep in a steaming hot lobster. They talked about the burgeoning Food Truck industry that was taking over the LA food scene, bringing delicious, unconventional cuisines to the masses cheaply and efficiently. After surveying the landscape, they realized that LA was missing those tasty Maine traditions they fawned over. Deciding to pool their savings and launch a food truck that celebrated Maine and served the bounty of their state the only way they knew it: fresh.

The beginning was chaotic and confusing, yet promising and exciting. In 2012 when we opened, we had one truck, a small staff and very little restaurant experience. Thankfully, we had passion and an amazing product. From day one, we experienced lines of 50 to 60 people, which we were grateful for and humbled by.

Our one little truck produced amazing sales during its first few months. It provided a real opportunity that we had to acknowledge. With very little means, we built one truck, hired a small staff and created a culture and brand that customers gravitated to. The result was increased demand, more sales and a potential to expand our business. But before we had the chance to scale and put another truck on the road, we appeared on ABC’s hit show, Shark Tank.

Shark Tank producers had been part of the many customers that heard about our store, tried our food and seen the craze. Although we did not know it at the time, they had been regular patrons at our truck in the very early weeks. We were asked by the producers to go through the process of being on the show. With less than a month’s worth of sales under our belt, a very youthful company, with no proven sales and a complete unknown of the business, we actually turned down the show… not once, but twice. (We know… crazy.) As we gained a couple months of business, the opportunity to get on Shark Tank never truly disappeared. And with a bit more confidence as time went on and a helpful call from an executive producer, we thought that all of the stars were aligning and finally took the plunge.

We targeted Barbara from the beginning as we had done our research on her, how she works with businesses and that fact that she had invested in many other food brands. And at the end of the wild ride in the Tank, we came out hand in hand with Barb. Since that day, we have nothing but amazing things to say about Barbara and Shark Tank. We had a platform to share our story and business, one that opened so many doors and continues to lead to business opportunities we otherwise would not have had. Barb has been a mentor and business partner that we could not ask any more of. Beyond putting Cousins Maine Lobster in the spotlight, presenting new marketing options, sharing savvy business advice and growth ideas, she has become a close friend of our family and ours.

2017 California & Beyond