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.
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| Cousins Subs | |
| Company type | Private |
| Industry | Sandwich shop |
| Genre | Fast casual |
| Founded | 1972 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
| 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 | www |
History
editCousins 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]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Ruggless, Ron (Mar 14, 2019). "Cousins Subs' CFO promoted to president". Nation's Restaurant News. Retrieved March 15, 2019.
- ^ "Legal - Cousins Subs | Better Bread. Better Subs.™". Archived from the original on June 21, 2010. Retrieved March 15, 2011.
- ^ "How Cousins Subs is delaying layoffs as long as possible". www.fastcasual.com. 2020-03-24. Retrieved 2020-06-04.
- ^ "Cousins Subs has new CEO". Retrieved 2017-03-17.
- ^ "Jagler: Cousins Subs CEO raises the stakes". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved 2017-03-17.
- ^ "Cousins Subs Franchise Information". Entrepreneur. Retrieved 2017-03-17.
- ^ "Cousins Subs & Johnsonville Owners Converse All Things Wisconsin". Retrieved 2017-03-17.
- ^ "Milwaukee Talks: Cousins Subs president Christine Specht". OnMilwaukee.com. Retrieved 2017-03-17.
- ^ "Cousins Subs shrinks in push to grow". Nation's Restaurant News. 2016-05-17. Retrieved 2017-03-17.
- ^ "Cousins Subs Make It Better Foundation: Supports Madison-area nonprofit to uplift community | WisBusiness". 31 August 2017. Retrieved 2020-06-04.
- ^ "Cousins Subs Makes it Better with New Foundation". QSR magazine. 20 January 2013. Retrieved 2020-06-04.
- ^ "Christine Specht succeeds father as CEO of Cousins Subs". www.bizjournals.com. Retrieved 2019-11-22.
- ^ "Cousins Subs makes sweeping changes to refresh brand, returns to original logo". www.qsrweb.com. 2016-05-16. Retrieved 2017-03-17.
- ^ "Cousins Subs launches rebranding, remodeling initiative". Retrieved 2017-03-17.
- ^ "Milwaukee's Cousins Subs launches rebranding effort". WISN. 2016-05-19. Retrieved 2017-03-17.
- ^ "Cousins Subs launches rebranding strategy to promote future growth | BizTimes Media Milwaukee". BizTimes Media Milwaukee. 2016-05-16. Retrieved 2017-03-17.
- ^ "Cousins Subs to rebrand 44-year-old business". www.gmtoday.com. 18 May 2016. Retrieved 2017-03-17.
- ^ "Cousins Subs rebrands, remodels". OnMilwaukee.com. Retrieved 2017-03-17.
- ^ "Milwaukee Talks: Cousins Subs president Christine Specht". OnMilwaukee.com. Retrieved 2017-03-17.
- ^ Trotter, Greg (6 August 2018). "With new franchise deal, Wisconsin-based Cousins Subs will open 40 locations in Chicago area, three this year". chicagotribune.com. Retrieved 6 August 2018.
- ^ "Cousins Subs opens 6th location in Chicagoland". fastcasual.com. Retrieved 2022-03-24.
- ^ "Cousins Subs plans return to Minnesota". 10 December 2018.
- ^ "What happened to Cousins Subs coming back to Minnesota?". bringmethenews.com. Retrieved 2022-03-24.
