Cousins Subs | |
Company type | Private |
Industry | Sandwich shop |
Genre | Fast casual |
Founded | 1972Milwaukee, Wisconsin | in
Founders | Bill Specht James Sheppard |
Headquarters | Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin |
Number of locations | 100+ as of October 2019 [update] |
Area served | |
Key people | Christine Specht-Palmert CEO Jason Westhoff President [1] |
Products |
Sandwiches Salads Other food products |
Website |
cousinssubs |
Cousins Submarines, [2] better known as Cousins Subs, is a Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based sub sandwich shop with more than 100 locations, [3] founded in 1972 by cousins Bill Specht and Jim Sheppard. Cousins Subs is a regional chain with restaurants in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana.
Cousins Subs was founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1972 by cousins Bill Specht and James Sheppard, who could not find a suitable sub sandwich option in Milwaukee like they had when they lived in New Jersey. [4]
Specht and Sheppard opened their first restaurant in Milwaukee, which was located at 60th Street and Silver Spring Drive. [5] After opening the shop, they partnered with a local baker to make their own bread, [6] highlighted in the slogan "Better Bread, Better Subs". A large segment of customers during Cousins' early years were former East Coast residents. [7]
In 2009, Cousins Subs announced it would put an increased focus on the local side of the business. [8] During the Great Recession, Cousins Subs closed over 40 locations to better focus on quality. [9]
In 2013, Cousins Subs established The Make It Better Foundation, [10] which focuses in improving the welfare and quality of life in the communities, particularly in health and wellness, hunger, and youth education. [11]
Christine Specht-Palmert, daughter of co-founder Bill Specht, took over as CEO in 2015 when her father retired. [12]
Cousins Subs announced another rebranding in 2016, which included expanding its footprint throughout the Midwest; [13] remodeling all locations to its Milwaukee Sub Shop to unify the brand; [14] in look and feel, updating its exterior design, [15] logo, packaging and uniform designs; [16] and digitally enhancing the in-store experience for its guests. [17] Along with the remodel, Cousins Subs struck sponsorship agreements with the Milwaukee Bucks, Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badgers. [18]
As of October 2019, there are approximately 100+ Cousins Subs locations throughout Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana. Cousins Subs continues to develop new locations throughout the Midwest with franchise partners focused on multi-unit development. [19]
In August 2018, Cousins announced their expansion into the Chicago market with 40 new locations opening by 2025. [20] As of July 2021, there are six locations in the Chicago area. [21]
Also in 2018, Cousins announced it would re-enter the Twin Cities market of Minnesota, after shuttering stores in 2015. [22] The initial plan is to open about six stores per year, but as of August 2021, none have come to fruition. [23]