COLUMBIA, SC – Seafood lovers in the Midlands are about to get a taste of the Maine coast. Cousins Maine Lobster (CML), the nationally recognized fast-casual lobster roll brand, is officially launching its first-ever South Carolina food truck in Columbia later this month.
The new mobile unit is led by business partners and longtime friends Dave Blosser and Matt Cobb, who bring years of experience in multi-unit operations and customer-driven businesses. Their debut marks CML’s first permanent presence in the Palmetto State, with a second truck already planned for 2027.
“We’re most excited for that first-bite moment,” Blosser and Cobb said in a joint statement. “Seeing an authentic Maine lobster roll served in the heart of South Carolina is something really special. From the smell of the toasted rolls to the fresh taste of lobster, we want guests to feel transported to the Maine coast.”
Cousins Maine Lobster, which first gained national fame after a successful appearance on Shark Tank, operates with a “trap-to-truck” model—sourcing lobster directly from Maine’s waters before serving it fresh from its iconic black trucks. The Columbia location will feature the company’s signature menu, including chilled Maine lobster rolls, warm butter lobster rolls, lobster tacos, lobster grilled cheese, and classic whoopie pies.
A new flavor for the Midlands food scene
The grand opening celebration will take place over two days: Friday, February 27, from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Finlay Fridays – Live in the Park (930 Laurel Street), followed by Saturday, February 28, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Battle at BullStreet in Segra Park (1640 Freed Street). The second event will coincide with the much-anticipated college baseball rivalry between Clemson University and the University of South Carolina, offering fans the chance to pair authentic Maine lobster with game-day excitement.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Dave and Matt into the Cousins Maine Lobster family,” said Lindsay Herberger, Director of Franchise Development at CML. “Columbia is a fantastic market, and their leadership and passion for community make them the perfect partners as we expand across the Southeast.”
- Cousins Maine Lobster debuts its first South Carolina truck in Columbia
- Grand opening set for February 27–28 with live music and local events
- Second CML truck planned for launch in 2027
As one of the fastest-growing seafood concepts in the U.S., CML continues to expand through both mobile and brick-and-mortar locations. The brand is actively seeking qualified owner-operators interested in bringing premium lobster rolls to their communities through its scalable franchise model.
Local residents can follow the Cousins Maine Lobster Columbia Facebook page for updates on truck locations, events, and menu offerings.
Authentic Maine flavor hits the heart of South Carolina