"Winning a deal on "Shark Tank" definitely doesn't guarantee lasting success for restaurants, as few industries are more competitive. One eatery that beat the odds is Cousins Maine Lobster, a seafood-slinging food truck that not only grew into a nationwide chain, but became the most successful food brand in "Shark Tank" history. However, sales numbers don't always equate to a perfect reputation, and customers now call Cousins an overpriced seafood chain that isn't worth it."
"Multiple Cousins customers report paying $50 for a meal of average-tasting food in stingy portions. One Reddit user wrote, "Was super excited to try but it was not worth the $50 for two lobster rolls and boring tots ... felt ripped off." Another Redditor paid even more, only to get "Very little lobster in our tacos and other items. It was disappointing after $75". Yet another user coughed up $32 for a Cousins roll with extra lobster, yet received an under-stuffed sandwich the size of a hot dog."
"Even diners who enjoy Cousins' lobster take issue with the portions, saying a single roll won't fill anyone's stomach. The chain's lobster bisque also gets a lot of flack for being overpriced and underwhelming. One Reddit user said they wasted $19.49 for "one piece of lobster in the bisque," as well as gritty clam chowder."
"We can't rip on Cousins Maine Lobster too hard for not pricing its food at a steal. Lobster's already-high price has steadily climbed since the 2010s, and as of 2026, some Boston restaurants charge nearly $50 per lobster roll, twice the price of Cousins' (via NBC). Still, many seafood lovers will shell out for top-notch lobster, and some say that'"
Cousins Maine Lobster expanded from a seafood food truck into a nationwide chain after a Shark Tank deal. Despite strong sales and major success, customer sentiment has turned negative. Multiple customers report paying around $50 to $75 for meals they describe as average, with stingy portions and limited lobster. Complaints include under-stuffed lobster rolls, tacos with very little lobster, and lobster bisque that is described as overpriced and underwhelming. Some diners also say a single roll does not fill them. Even customers who like the lobster criticize portion sizes and inconsistent quality.
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