Cousins Maine Lobster Launches New Food Truck to Meet Growing Demands of Upstate New York Seafood Lovers

Expansion Underway Through Multi-Unit Operators' Dedication to Shark Tank-Backed Food Truck Model

SYRACUSE, N.Y., March 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cousins Maine Lobster (CML), the industry-leading fast-casual lobster roll brand is accelerating its growth across Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse by launching a second food truck in the market, just nine months after entering the region. Husband-and-wife duo Cindy and Pete Sztankovits, owners of the Upstate New York territory, have invested in the new truck to meet the growing demand for high-quality seafood in Syracuse and beyond. No longer having to pull trucks from other territories to meet the market requests, the pair will be able to serve Maine lobster roll lovers in the broader community more frequently.

The Sztankovits have been experienced CML multi-unit operators since 2019 and now own and operate ten food trucks across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New England, in addition to their New York trucks. Alongside their New England partner, Jeremy Stivaletta, they acquired the existing Boston, Massachusetts; Rhode Island; and eastern Connecticut markets in late 2024—a key region for the New England-inspired brand. The group plans to expand their reach further into southern New Hampshire and Maine later this summer.

With the launch of their 10^th truck, Cindy and Pete look forward to connecting with new neighborhood hot spots, creating local job opportunities, and introducing more seafood lovers to the brand's signature Maine fair including lobster quesadillas, shrimp tacos, and chowder tots.

"The strong positive reception from our existing Upstate New York customers made this expansion a clear next step for us within the region," said Cindy. "Being from Massachusetts, Cousins Maine Lobster has always reminded me of home, and I love seeing that same nostalgia and excitement from our guests—especially those who don't have easy access to wild-caught seafood. The support of our loyal fan base, local partners, and dedicated team continues to allow us to bring an authentic Maine lobster experience to more communities, right in their own neighborhoods."

Cousins Maine Lobster will introduce its new truck to Upstate New York on Tuesday, March 18^th at the Tractor Supply Canandaigua, located at 2380 Rochester Rd., Rte 332 North, Canandaigua from 11:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The celebration will continue with a series of events across the market, giving communities the chance to experience the brand firsthand.

Check out more of the upcoming week's food truck events at Cousins Maine Lobster Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse page.

Specializing in wild-caught Maine lobster, Cousins Maine Lobster offers a gourmet fast-casual seafood experience through food trucks, brick-and-mortar locations, and a 'Shore-to-Door' e-commerce program that ships responsibly harvested menu items nationwide. Founded in 2012, the brand gained national recognition after appearing on Shark Tank and partnering with Barbara Corcoran. With rapid expansion underway, Cousins Maine Lobster has appeared on The Food Network, Good Morning America, Inc., and in Tasting Table, where it has won numerous awards and recognition. 

Likewise, the brand's menu is growing right alongside its food truck fleet. This month, Cousins Maine Lobster is launching a new Garlic Butter Lobster Roll, an indulgent twist on their classic roll featuring warm Maine lobster drizzled in rich, house-made garlic butter on a toasted New England-style bun.

"We are thrilled for Cindy and Pete as they continue to grow with Cousins Maine Lobster in New York and have taken over operations in New England," said Angela Coppler, Head of Development at Cousins Maine Lobster. "Their passion for the brand and enthusiasm toward our unique food story make them exactly the type of operators we seek for future expansion."

Cousins Maine Lobster of Upstate New York is part of the brand's broader food truck growth strategy to reach new seafood fans right where they live, work, and play. With a growing number of new locations in major cities across the United States, the brand is on track to open 30 units in 2025. Cousins Maine Lobster is seeking operators who are passionate about delivering high-quality food and exceptional customer service. Ideal candidates have a strong business mindset, work ethic, and leadership skills, with a commitment to maintaining the brand's standards.

With a proven business model that offers flexibility, operators can launch food trucks in as little as three to six months. Low overhead and labor costs allow operators an efficient and cost-effective entry into each market. The brand is currently targeting markets with strong demand for high-quality, fast-casual seafood, including Seattle, Tacoma, Vancouver and Spokane, Washington; Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona; and areas across the Midwest, including St. Louis, Missouri; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and Indianapolis, Indiana.

About Cousins Maine Lobster

Cousins Maine Lobster is a premier seafood franchise bringing authentic Maine lobster to communities nationwide through its fleet of food trucks and brick-and-mortar restaurants. Founded in 2012 by cousins Jim Tselikis and Sabin Lomac, the brand started as a passion project and quickly gained national recognition after securing an investment from Barbara Corcoran on Shark Tank. Since then, Cousins Maine Lobster has become a leading franchise, delivering high-quality, wild-caught Maine lobster with a commitment to consistency, hospitality, and an unforgettable guest experience. Whether serving seafood lovers from its iconic food trucks or expanding into new markets with restaurant locations, Cousins Maine Lobster continues to set the standard for premium lobster offerings.

To learn more about franchise opportunities with Cousins Maine Lobster, visit https://www.cousinsmainelobster.com/franchise. To find a location near you, visit www.cousinsmainelobster.com.

DISCLAIMER: This news is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy a franchise. Any actual offer or solicitation can only be made through a Franchise Disclosure Document. If you reside in California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, or Wisconsin, we may not be able to offer you a franchise until it has been registered in your state.

SOURCE Cousins Maine Lobster