Promotion Comes Amid Brand’s Expansion Fueled by Partnership with Barbara Corcoran of “Shark Tank”
Cousins Maine Lobster, a fast-casual seafood franchise, has promoted Shaun Higgins to president. This announcement comes amid CML’s rapid expansion, which includes the appointments of Marion Thomas as senior vice president of marketing and Lindsay Herberger as director of franchise development.
Higgins joined the fast-casual franchise in 2014 after co-founders Jim Tselikis and Sabin Lomac asked him to help launch the business following their successful appearance on the long-running TV reality series “Shark Tank.” Higgins, a friend of Lomac’s from their time as undergraduates at Hofstra University, initially served as head of franchise development and has spent the last decade driving new unit development, franchise development, franchise operations, finance and supply chain.
During his time with the fast-casual franchise business, Higgins has most appreciated the relationships formed with franchise owners, customers, vendors, staff and the leadership team, he said. “These relationships are the foundation of our success and the driving force behind our growth.”
He added that CML’s growth also is due to its great products and mobile food trucks that give franchisees the flexibility to go where customers are. “This flexibility not only enhances our customer satisfaction but also opens up numerous opportunities for expansion and scaling our business quicker than traditional brick-and-mortar locations,” Higgins said. “Lobster is often seen as a luxurious treat, almost like ice cream for adults. By combining the appeal of lobster with the innovative food truck model, we create a dynamic brand that can grow rapidly and adapt to market demands.”
Lomac praised Higgins as an integral part of the CML family and leadership team from the beginning. “He has selflessly led the brand through years of sustained growth and demonstrates the passion and tenacity that will lead us through our continued expansion. We are appreciative of his partnership, and we are so excited for him as he takes on this expanded role,” Lomac said.
When Higgins isn’t working, he enjoys being active. The Hofstra University graduate is an avid surfer and a former professional soccer player for the Long Island Rough Riders. A Liverpool Football Club fan, Higgins said the team’s anthem, “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” is one of his favorite songs because of its powerful message of unity, support and perseverance. “These themes can be directly related to the concept of franchising,” he said.
About Cousins Maine Lobster
Lomac and Tselikis founded CML in 2012 to bring their Maine family traditions to the West Coast. Their appearance on “Shark Tank” that same year led to a partnership with real estate mogul and shark Barbara Corcoran, which kick-started the brand’s popularity. Since then, the cousin entrepreneurs have franchised the business, expanding to more than 65 locations across 26 states with food trucks, brick-and-mortar restaurants and a shore-to-door gourmet online shop.
