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Cousins Maine Lobster: How One Food Truck Became a Multimillion-Dollar Business
"Required Reading,"
The New York Post
From the co-founders of the smash hit Cousins Maine Lobster food trucks comes a business book revealing to new entrepreneurs how the authors built their brand through integrity and authenticity.
In early 2012, Jim Tselikis visited L.A. and met up with his cousin Sabin Lomac. Over a few drinks they waxed nostalgic about their childhood in Maine, surrounded by family, often elbow deep in delicious lobster while gathered around the picnic table. From this strong memory was born the very first Cousins Maine Lobster food truck. Smart, authentic marketing, and sustainable, delicious ingredients helped turn that one food truck into an overnight sensation. Then, in just three years, they went from a single food truck to a nationally-franchised legion of trucks, an online delivery service, and a brick-and-mortar restaurant, grossing over $15 million dollars in sales a year.
Start-up fever has taken hold of America, and there are hundreds of books to teach readers how to become an entrepreneur; this is the first book to answer the question: What's next? At each step, Jim and Sabin were faced with hard decisions--opening each new food truck carefully instead of rushing to meet the demand; turning down a six-figure franchise offer because it came from someone who didn't support their vision; turning down Shark Tank (twice) until they could insist on participating only if Barbara Corcoran was one of the Sharks. Now Jim and Sabin teach readers how they, too, can reach the next level of success in their own businesses, without having to compromise themselves.
From the co-founders of the smash hit Cousins Maine Lobster food trucks comes a business book revealing to new entrepreneurs how the authors built their brand through integrity and authenticity.
In early 2012, Jim Tselikis visited L.A. and met up with his cousin Sabin Lomac. Over a few drinks they waxed nostalgic about their childhood in Maine, surrounded by family, often elbow deep in delicious lobster while gathered around the picnic table. From this strong memory was born the very first Cousins Maine Lobster food truck. Smart, authentic marketing, and sustainable, delicious ingredients helped turn that one food truck into an overnight sensation. Then, in just three years, they went from a single food truck to a nationally-franchised legion of trucks, an online delivery service, and a brick-and-mortar restaurant, grossing over $15 million dollars in sales a year.
Start-up fever has taken hold of America, and there are hundreds of books to teach readers how to become an entrepreneur; this is the first book to answer the question: What's next? At each step, Jim and Sabin were faced with hard decisions--opening each new food truck carefully instead of rushing to meet the demand; turning down a six-figure franchise offer because it came from someone who didn't support their vision; turning down Shark Tank (twice) until they could insist on participating only if Barbara Corcoran was one of the Sharks. Now Jim and Sabin teach readers how they, too, can reach the next level of success in their own businesses, without having to compromise themselves.
270 pages, Hardcover
First published April 17, 2018
20 people are currently reading
502 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 7, 2018
Entertaining fast read. Growing up in New York you saw a lot of food trucks. I can't remember any that offered more than hot dogs, hamburgers or pretzels. I am thrilled that the industry has changed and grown into what it has become today. If the food exists- you can almost be certain that there is a food truck preparing and selling it. Even if you aren't particularly interested or have never eaten at a food truck (is it possible?) you will love Cousins Maine Lobster.
March 29, 2018
Jim and Sabin are cousins but over the years, they'd lost touch with each other ... Jim lived in Boston and Sabin lived in L.A. Jim was heading out to California on vacation to visit a friend and thought he'd touch base with his long-lost cousin, Sabin, who lived in Los Angles. When they got together, there was much reminiscing about the lobster boils with family when they were kids. They decided they wanted to recreate the same experience for people in California.
The Cousins Maine Lobster food truck was born, giving L.A. customers a Maine lobster shack experience, serving lobster rolls with fresh lobster all the way from Maine. They were approached to appear on Shark Tank (I remember seeing when they were on the show and that's what made me interesting in reading this book) and ended up with a deal with Barbara Corcoran ... $55,000 for 15% of their business. Six years later, their company consists of 21 food trucks in 13 cities, a restaurant in West Hollywood and an online retail business, all of which has earned over $20 million in sales.
This book is their story. They discuss the history of the Maine and New England fishing and lobster industry, how they got started, how they continue to grow, preparing for Shark Tank and targeting Barbara, their failures and successes, franchising, how important it is to incorporate family values, trust and loyalty in their business when dealing with employees, customers and/or suppliers, and giving back (Cousins for a Cause partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles).
I thought it was an interesting story. It's amazing how far they've come in such a short amount of time from one food truck and they seem to be extremely dedicated hard workers. It also sounds like they have stayed true to their Maine roots ... family values, a strong work ethic and a connection to the community. As a head's up, there is swearing.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2018/03...
The Cousins Maine Lobster food truck was born, giving L.A. customers a Maine lobster shack experience, serving lobster rolls with fresh lobster all the way from Maine. They were approached to appear on Shark Tank (I remember seeing when they were on the show and that's what made me interesting in reading this book) and ended up with a deal with Barbara Corcoran ... $55,000 for 15% of their business. Six years later, their company consists of 21 food trucks in 13 cities, a restaurant in West Hollywood and an online retail business, all of which has earned over $20 million in sales.
This book is their story. They discuss the history of the Maine and New England fishing and lobster industry, how they got started, how they continue to grow, preparing for Shark Tank and targeting Barbara, their failures and successes, franchising, how important it is to incorporate family values, trust and loyalty in their business when dealing with employees, customers and/or suppliers, and giving back (Cousins for a Cause partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles).
I thought it was an interesting story. It's amazing how far they've come in such a short amount of time from one food truck and they seem to be extremely dedicated hard workers. It also sounds like they have stayed true to their Maine roots ... family values, a strong work ethic and a connection to the community. As a head's up, there is swearing.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2018/03...
April 12, 2018
I received a free copy of Cousins Maine Lobster from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I admit I have not watched the "Shark Tank" episode featuring the Maine cousin's Jim and Sabin and their food truck, but I was aware of their meteoric rise to food truck superstars. What are they known for? Maine Lobster Rolls, of course. I have eaten at their Phoenix franchised location so, I was excited to pick up a copy of their new book about how they took one reminiscent idea and turned it into a multi million dollar business.
They are very open and honest about their beginnings as entrepreneurs, how dedicated they are, the successes they have achieved as well as some of the growth pains they have experienced. Surprisingly, the thing that made them a recognized household name, getting a deal on "Shark Tank", was really their third time being approached to do the show. They turned down the opportunity twice before because they knew they weren't ready and it wasn't the right option for their new business. When they finally did accept they came in fully prepared and focused on Barbara Corcoran as the shark they wanted, and they got her. They are grateful for the experience but are candid about how it wasn't just the exposure and their new partner that made them into what they are today or how they are growing for tomorrow.
If you are looking for a how to book on starting and growing a business this is not really the book you are looking for. However, if you draw inspiration and advice from people who have done the leg work on a new growing business and continue to put in the effort then I highly recommend this one. I'd also suggest grabbing one of their famous lobster rolls when you get the chance.
I admit I have not watched the "Shark Tank" episode featuring the Maine cousin's Jim and Sabin and their food truck, but I was aware of their meteoric rise to food truck superstars. What are they known for? Maine Lobster Rolls, of course. I have eaten at their Phoenix franchised location so, I was excited to pick up a copy of their new book about how they took one reminiscent idea and turned it into a multi million dollar business.
They are very open and honest about their beginnings as entrepreneurs, how dedicated they are, the successes they have achieved as well as some of the growth pains they have experienced. Surprisingly, the thing that made them a recognized household name, getting a deal on "Shark Tank", was really their third time being approached to do the show. They turned down the opportunity twice before because they knew they weren't ready and it wasn't the right option for their new business. When they finally did accept they came in fully prepared and focused on Barbara Corcoran as the shark they wanted, and they got her. They are grateful for the experience but are candid about how it wasn't just the exposure and their new partner that made them into what they are today or how they are growing for tomorrow.
If you are looking for a how to book on starting and growing a business this is not really the book you are looking for. However, if you draw inspiration and advice from people who have done the leg work on a new growing business and continue to put in the effort then I highly recommend this one. I'd also suggest grabbing one of their famous lobster rolls when you get the chance.
June 18, 2018
4.5 Stars.
I watch Shark Tank almost religiously, and do remember their episode, and have also seen their updates on the show. When I saw they had a book out, I figured I’d give it a shot.
Good read, great guys.
I watch Shark Tank almost religiously, and do remember their episode, and have also seen their updates on the show. When I saw they had a book out, I figured I’d give it a shot.
Good read, great guys.
March 16, 2018
I received this book through Goodreads giveaways for a honest review.
I am a huge fan of Shark Tank. These guys caught my eye immediately, and it wasn't just because of their lobster roll, due to how they handled themselves in the tank. Learning about how they started and grew through the years. This book is a wonderful insight on how this became a huge hit and how they suffered some "rookie" mistakes when first starting. Definitely good for those fans of Shark Tank, the Food Truck franchise, and those interested in businesses.
I am a huge fan of Shark Tank. These guys caught my eye immediately, and it wasn't just because of their lobster roll, due to how they handled themselves in the tank. Learning about how they started and grew through the years. This book is a wonderful insight on how this became a huge hit and how they suffered some "rookie" mistakes when first starting. Definitely good for those fans of Shark Tank, the Food Truck franchise, and those interested in businesses.
January 29, 2022
Some parts of this book I enjoyed-such us how I learned that Lobstermen in Maine won't deal with anyone-they only dealt with these guys because they are from Maine. It would have been nice to learn other parts of the lobster food-truck business, such as the logistics of getting the catch from Maine to LA (and other places where the franchises are located), on a daily basis.
Otherwise-while there was some good advice-about taking your business to the next level by quitting you day job-it was sort of a dime a dozen management book, with common advice such as find your passion-one in which I'm not sure the cousins we're in the best position to write. They had a food truck which was on Shark Tank. Being on Shark Tank propelled their business to a place most could only dream of. After their business faces the pandemic-and they have a history of going through different economic cycles-then they might be in a better position to write a book like this.
Otherwise-while there was some good advice-about taking your business to the next level by quitting you day job-it was sort of a dime a dozen management book, with common advice such as find your passion-one in which I'm not sure the cousins we're in the best position to write. They had a food truck which was on Shark Tank. Being on Shark Tank propelled their business to a place most could only dream of. After their business faces the pandemic-and they have a history of going through different economic cycles-then they might be in a better position to write a book like this.
July 23, 2018
Maine lobster is something to crave now after reading this account of two young guys taking their much state resource to the rest of the country to be enjoyed. Never cutting corners and never jeopardizing the well being of the lobster-men who depend on this industry for their livelihood and independence. Food trucks are now a thing and this is one of the best. I hope to try them out soon. I admire their tenacity to stay true to their roots and sell a quality product, as well as manage the whole business with integrity. So many sell out to reduce costs, allowing the dollar to become the most important thing.. always to the detriment of quality, integrity or employee salaries. Kudos to these guys!
February 3, 2019
Funny, sometimes silly, serious on all the right topics. A huge success story about a famous Maine food for which, it seems, the rest of the country has an insatiable appetite. The heart of the success of Sabin and Jim is their love for Maine, childhood memories, their bond as cousins, and that Maine work ethic. They admit that they didn’t even know how to make a lobster roll when they got this big idea for a food truck in LA. But as they point out “our moms did”. They were lucky with other family members who had expertise to help them, including Jim’s dad and sister. They also got a deal with Barbara Corcoran on the tv show Shark Tank.
I live in Maine and I’m happy to see that they got the bun right. My only question is “Where’s the mayonnaise?”
I live in Maine and I’m happy to see that they got the bun right. My only question is “Where’s the mayonnaise?”
May 20, 2018
This is a fun and informative read. Two cousins from Maine decided they wanted to work together and relive the best times from their childhood - eating lobster rolls at family gatherings. The idea became a food truck called Cousins Main Lobster. The story in interspersed with business advice if you want to be an entrepreneur. Very well done. It made me hungry for lobster rolls and interested enough to watch the Shank Tank episode that launched them into growing their business.
June 15, 2018
The story of Cousins Maine Lobster, how they begin, their growth story, their debut on Shark Tank, the challenges that they experienced along the way.
It is a good read to understand about the food truck business and challenges, how they were able to chart their course and ultimately it led them to a very successful franchise model.
The book went on to share how they discovered talented people along the way, they are always just around the corner, within the reach of your network.
It is a good read to understand about the food truck business and challenges, how they were able to chart their course and ultimately it led them to a very successful franchise model.
The book went on to share how they discovered talented people along the way, they are always just around the corner, within the reach of your network.
March 3, 2019
Good book, honest advice on starting your own business. Enjoyed the Maine history, the fishing and lobstering history of Maine and the reasons behind the laws to protect Maine jobs and resources. Maine summers with family... I know them well... memories, Lobster, steamers, steak, corn on the cob, and strawberry shortcake. I won this book from Goodreads and the Author's Jim Tselikis and Sabin Lomac, Thank you!
February 18, 2020
Buy this book if you're an entrepreneur
This book will shoot straight with you about being an entrepreneur and the sacrifices required to succeed as one. It also is a great guide to running a business with a purpose. I look forward to trying one of their trucks this spring!
This book will shoot straight with you about being an entrepreneur and the sacrifices required to succeed as one. It also is a great guide to running a business with a purpose. I look forward to trying one of their trucks this spring!
May 2, 2018
Outstanding book about becoming an entrepreneur and a great detailed history lesson on Lobstering in Maine. Easy read and great information!
July 11, 2018
It shows the joy and pain of establishing your own business and REALLY working hard...I only wish I had the courage!
April 2, 2019
Shark Tank contestants tell about luring the sharks to bite in their food truck deal.
July 5, 2018
This was, by far, the most captivating business book I have read! It is a memoir about two cousins in love with the Maine lifestyle who take their childhood experience of eating lobster with family on the road using a food truck in CA! A successful dynamic duo who learned to manage a fast growing business (turned franchise) with integrity, humility, and authenticity. The history of the Maine Lobster industry was both informative and interesting. Not your average "boring" business book.
July 14, 2021
was interesting to learn a little about lobstering, which is why I read the book. some business parts I could have done without - the relation toShark Tank was cool
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June 30, 2018This little book covers a lot of ground: the process of lobstering; Maine history; lobster rolls; and the cousins' journey from "Shark Tank" to acquiring umpteen food trucks and franchising. An excellent book to read even if you're not an entrepreneur.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews