Cousins Subs

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 Submarines, Inc.
Cousins Subs
TypePrivate
IndustrySandwich shop
GenreFast casual
Founded1972 (1972) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
FoundersBill Specht
James Sheppard
HeadquartersMenomonee Falls, Wisconsin
Number of locations
100+ as of October 2019
Area served
Key people
Christine Specht-Palmert
CEO
Jason Westhoff
President[1]
ProductsSandwiches
Salads
Other food products
Websitecousinssubs.com

History

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]

The first Cousins Subs location in Milwaukee, Wisconsin - 60th & Silver Spring Drive.

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]

See also

References
  1. Ruggless, Ron (Mar 14, 2019). "Cousins Subs' CFO promoted to president". Nation's Restaurant News. Retrieved March 15, 2019.
  2. "Legal - Cousins Subs | Better Bread. Better Subs.™". Archived from the original on June 21, 2010. Retrieved March 15, 2011.
  3. "How Cousins Subs is delaying layoffs as long as possible". www.fastcasual.com. 2020-03-24. Retrieved 2020-06-04.
  4. "Cousins Subs has new CEO". Retrieved 2017-03-17.
  5. "Jagler: Cousins Subs CEO raises the stakes". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved 2017-03-17.
  6. "Cousins Subs Franchise Information". Entrepreneur. Retrieved 2017-03-17.
  7. "Cousins Subs & Johnsonville Owners Converse All Things Wisconsin". Retrieved 2017-03-17.
  8. "Milwaukee Talks: Cousins Subs president Christine Specht". OnMilwaukee.com. Retrieved 2017-03-17.
  9. "Cousins Subs shrinks in push to grow". Nation's Restaurant News. 2016-05-17. Retrieved 2017-03-17.
  10. "Cousins Subs Make It Better Foundation: Supports Madison-area nonprofit to uplift community | WisBusiness". Retrieved 2020-06-04.
  11. "Cousins Subs Makes it Better with New Foundation". QSR magazine. Retrieved 2020-06-04.
  12. "Christine Specht succeeds father as CEO of Cousins Subs". www.bizjournals.com. Retrieved 2019-11-22.
  13. "Cousins Subs makes sweeping changes to refresh brand, returns to original logo". www.qsrweb.com. 2016-05-16. Retrieved 2017-03-17.
  14. "Cousins Subs launches rebranding, remodeling initiative". Retrieved 2017-03-17.
  15. "Milwaukee's Cousins Subs launches rebranding effort". WISN. 2016-05-19. Retrieved 2017-03-17.
  16. "Cousins Subs launches rebranding strategy to promote future growth | BizTimes Media Milwaukee". BizTimes Media Milwaukee. 2016-05-16. Retrieved 2017-03-17.
  17. "Cousins Subs to rebrand 44-year-old business". www.gmtoday.com. Retrieved 2017-03-17.
  18. "Cousins Subs rebrands, remodels". OnMilwaukee.com. Retrieved 2017-03-17.
  19. "Milwaukee Talks: Cousins Subs president Christine Specht". OnMilwaukee.com. Retrieved 2017-03-17.
  20. Trotter, Greg. "With new franchise deal, Wisconsin-based Cousins Subs will open 40 locations in Chicago area, three this year". chicagotribune.com. Retrieved 6 August 2018.
  21. "Cousins Subs opens 6th location in Chicagoland". fastcasual.com. Retrieved 2022-03-24.
  22. "Cousins Subs plans return to Minnesota".
  23. "What happened to Cousins Subs coming back to Minnesota?". bringmethenews.com. Retrieved 2022-03-24.
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