WC Wisconsin News

Cousins Subs is looking to jumpstart its Wisconsin expansion plans by returning to familiar places.

“Having grown up in Wisconsin, I am proud to be Local at Heart,” CEO Christine Specht told News8000.com. “It’s time for us to look around at our home state and ask ourselves honestly, ‘What do we need to do to grow this brand further at home?’”

The brand previously had locations in Wisconsin and is said to now be considering franchise partnerships in La Crosse, Beloit, Eau Claire, Fitchburg, Hudson, Janesville, Lake Delton, Middleton, Sun Prairie, Watertown, Wausau and Wisconsin Dells.

Vice President of Development Joe Ferguson said the company isn’t expecting for things to be how they once were across the state and he believes that’s a good thing.

“There’s a big difference in the type of restaurant we build now compared to sites from our past in La Crosse,” he said. “We no longer consider in-line locations for new restaurants. Instead, we specifically look for sites that are more visible and have drive-thru capabilities. Our new prototype location has seen tremendous success and we have the tools needed to pick the best sites.”

Currently, the company has nearly 100 locations spread across the Wisconsin, Northwest Indiana and the Chicagoland area.  

Cousins Subs has been in business since 1972 when Bill Specht and a cousin set out on a mission to bring their favorite sub sandwiches home to Milwaukee from Atlantic City N.J. Since then, the eatery has become a mainstay across the area by serving “only the highest quality meats” on its “famous bread baked daily and featuring produce and sides sourced locally whenever possible.”

The company also boasts an exclusive partnership with Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin for its cheeses and dairy.

Over the next six months, the plan calls for the opening of four free-standing drive-thru locations in Green Bay, Sheboygan and Stevens Point.

“The future of our brand will feature the prototype units we have reinvested in corporately,” Ferguson added. “It’s a strategy we not only believe in, but that we’ve also invested in heavily corporately. We are seeking franchise partners who also see the value, growth potential and opportunity to help us grow the brand in our home state.”