California-based Cousins Maine Lobster has signed an agreement to bring food trucks to the Gary, South Bend and Fort Wayne areas.
Local deputy sheriffs and brothers-in-law, Hussein Kourani and Al Obaid are leading the expansion. Through their development agreement, Kourani and Obaid will introduce Cousins Maine Lobster to the Hoosier State. The first truck will open in March 2026 in the Gary and South Bend markets. A second truck will follow in 2027 in the Fort Wayne market. The trucks will be supported by Kourani’s brother, Hadi Kourani.
“Joining the Cousins Maine Lobster team allows us to build something lasting for our families,” Obaid said in a press release. “It’s a brand built on trust and passion, and we’re proud to carry that forward here in Indiana. We’re looking forward to introducing the Indiana communities to the lively spirit and delicious food that CML has to offer its customers.”
Cousins Maine Lobster has opened nearly 20 new units this year by expanding into new markets in Michigan, Wisconsin, New York, West Virginia and North Carolina. The brand plans to open its 100th unit in the first half of 2026 across more than 35 states.
“We’re looking forward to CML expanding across the country through enthusiastic operators like Hussein and Al,” Lindsay Herberger, Cousins Maine Lobster director of franchise development, said. “Hussein and Al’s strong sense of community and dedication to quality perfectly align with our brand’s values, and we’re confident they’ll make a lasting impact as they bring our Maine traditions and beloved menu to seafood fans across Indiana.”
Cousins Sabin Lomac and Jim Tselikis co-founded Cousins Maine Lobster in 2012 with the desire to bring their Maine family traditions to the West Coast. They appeared on Shark Tank where they partnered with real estate mogul and shark, Barbara Corcoran. Since then, Cousins Maine Lobster has franchised to expand their footprint across the country.
