BIRMINGHAM — Cousins Maine Lobster is headed to Huntsville on the first stop of its 2023 tours through the South and Midwest.

Cousins Maine Lobster is famous for its Maine lobster rolls a la food truck style. Mad Malts Brewing, 109 Maple Ave., is the first “tour stop” Wednesday from 4-9 p.m.

The tour will hit 10 cities in 12 days, according to franchisee Chris Papp, “bringing their famous lobster rolls to untapped new markets”.

Papp started the tours in 2020 with his Charlotte location, and, he said they have proven to be an excellent way to introduce people to “the best lobster rolls in the world”.

“The tour led me to develop a second franchise agreement that includes Birmingham, Chattanooga, and Knoxville,” Papp said. “I’m extremely proud of this team, their hard work, and dedication.”

Cousins Maine Lobster began with a food truck and a shared vision to extend the highest-quality Maine lobster to those who have never had an opportunity to taste it.

Founders, and real-life cousins and Mainers, Jim Tselikis and Sabin Lomac, appeared on “Shark Tank,” and partnered with Barbara Corcoran to begin franchising.

They have since partnered with local entrepreneurs to bring Maine lobster to more than 40 cities nationwide.

Tselikis celebrated Papp’s annual tour.

“We encourage this kind of creativity and innovation within our franchise family,” he said. “Every year, we are excited to see where Chris decides to go. His out-of-the-box thinking and approach to business invigorates our entire operation.

It is a great way to kick off the year.”

After Huntsville, the tour will make stops in Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, Missouri, and Ohio.

For the full tour schedule, click here.