Cousins Maine Lobster to Open Brick and Mortar Restaurant in Middle Tennessee

A little less than two years after first hitting the road here in Middle Tennessee, popular food truck and Shark Tank success story Cousins Maine Lobster is entering the next phase of its local growth with the opening of a brick and mortar restaurant this spring.

Local franchisees Craig and Quinn Betts plan to open up a dining room at 1932 Almaville Rd. in Smyrna, a space Craig Betts tells Eater Nashville that they have occupied for about two years, using it as a commisary for their two food trucks. But with a recent expansion of the space, they now have the room for an approximately 600-square-foot dining room. Betts says they are currently working on the layout but that they plan to have seating for 40, along with some outdoor seating and a drive up pick-up window.

The menu will be similar to that of the Cousins Maine Lobster outpost in West Hollywood, Calif., currently the only standalone restaurant in the country. Which means expect all of your favorites, along with some additional offerings. And Betts says they are also applying for their license to serve bottled beer and wine by the glass.

But for those that won’t make it down to the restaurant when it opens sometime in April, have no fear. Betts assures that both trucks will continue to run as they have been and that they will continue to offer the same catering services.

Founded in 2012, the lobster and seafood-slinging food trucks currently are rolling in 15 different cities, with another four on deck. Nashville is one of five cities with permanent locations currently in the works.