News

Cousins Maine Lobster co-founder describes successful journey in TV interview

April 16, 2018

Jim Tselikis, co-owner and co-founder of Cousins Maine Lobster, and co-author of a book about the company's success, discussed his journey growing from one food truck to a multimillion dollar business with TV host Maria Bartiromo on Fox News.

Cousins Maine Lobster has added more than 24 trucks nationwide, as well as several brick-and-mortar locations. 

Tselikis said he started the business with his cousin, Sabin Lomac, in 2011. Their goal was to bring Maine lobster to other parts of the country. Beginning with one truck in Los Angeles, they went on TV's Shark Tank, then began scaling with a franchise model.

"The beauty of the truck is that you can go to the market," he said. His purpose in writing the book, "Cousins Maine Lobster, How One Food Truck Became A Multi-Million-Dollar Business," was to share the lessons they learned with new entrepreneurs. He said the challenge was to know the market and where to place the truck.

Asked if they plan to expand beyond the lobster market, Tselikis said he doesn't expect to. The focus now is on restaurants.

Asked if the new government tariffs will affect the business, he said he doesn't see much impact.

The book hits bookstores tomorrow.