A popular lobster food truck featured on Shark Tank debuts in Charlotte today

What started in 2012 as one food truck in downtown Los Angeles is now regarded as one of the show’s best success stories and has made a home in 15 locations across the country.

“Charlotte is an incredible city with a vibrant and flourishing food scene, and we know they’re excited for Maine lobster,” owner Jim Tselikis said in a statement. “In fact, we’ve been receiving a huge outpouring of excitement from the people of Charlotte, all craving authentic Maine lobster.”

While no plans for a restaurant are in the works for Charlotte, the food truck will make its debut today with a soft opening at SouthPark Mall for lunch and dinner.

You’ll find it parked there from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The truck will celebrate its grand opening at next week’s Food Truck Friday at Sycamore Brewing in South End from 5-9 p.m. and make appearances at Blue Blaze and Symphony Park on April 28 and 29, respectively.

The full schedule for April:

• Thursday, April 19: SouthPark Mall, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
• Friday, April 20: Ballantyne Corporate Park Earth Day, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and Divine Barrel Brewing, 5-9 p.m.
• Friday, April 27: Sycamore Brewing, 5-9 p.m.
• Saturday, April 28: Blue Blaze Brewing, 12-5 p.m.
• Sunday, April 29: Macaroni Kid Spring Carnival at Symphony Park, 2-5 p.m.

Keep track of the truck’s schedule here.

The menu, at its core, is simple.

It was inspired by the food owners (and cousins) Jim Tselikis and Sabin Lomac grew up eating and the Maine traditions they were shaped by.

There are two types of lobster rolls (the Maine, which is chilled with mayo, and the Connecticut, served warm with butter and lemon), as well as lobster bisque and clam chowder. Specialties like a lobster grilled cheese, lobster tail & tots and shrimp tacos are also available.

After observing the cult followings that the city’s lobster specials have developed, the truck’s a surefire bet for the Charlotte market.

Keep up with the truck’s schedule here, and connect with Cousins Maine Lobster on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.