Lobster Gram acquired by Fortune Fish parent company

Fortune Fish & Gourmet parent company Fortune International has acquired e-commerce business Lobster Gram in a move to expand Fortune’s presence in the online retail market within the United States. 

Founded in 1987 by Dan “The Lobsterman” Zawacki, Lobster Gram has a basis in both Chicago, Illinois and Biddeford, Maine. The company is built around Zawacki’s concept of having Maine lobster shipped directly to customer doorsteps. What began as a business being operated out of Zawacki’s garage with just him on the payroll eventually expanded to encompass an 18,000-square-foot distribution center in Biddeford, Maine, with numerous employees, upping the company’s presence as a premier shipper of lobster and gourmet gifts. 

More than one million lobsters have been sold by the company over its 30 years in business,due in large part to the company's dial-in buying option, 1-800-LIVE-LOB, and its e-commerce website www.lobstergram.com. The company has been reported on by several popular publications including ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, MSNBC, Wall Street Journal, Fortune and Oprah’s “O” magazine, which Fortune said was a draw in its acquisition.

“I have always admired Lobster Gram and how Dan successfully started a live Maine lobster home delivery company from his parents’ garage. Now that is entrepreneurship,” said Sean J. O’Scannlain, Fortune International’s president and CEO. “We have always considered entering the e-commerce business given the growth potential, and what better way than with an icon like Lobster Gram that shares our commitment to quality service and products.”

“I am extremely excited to take the company my team and I built over the last 30 years to a new level with the support, incredible products and guidance Fortune brings to the table,” added Lobster Gram’s Zawacki.

Lobster Gram marks the fourth acquisition made by Fortune International in the last five years. The company also purchased JDY Gourmet in 2012, Chef Martin Old World Butcher Shop Sausage in 2014, and Coastal Seafoods in July 2016.