Menomonee Falls-based sandwich maker Cousins Subs has opened its 100th store in Wisconsin. The new corporate location is at 1001 N. Old World Third St. in downtown Milwaukee.
"It is a great achievement for us to reach the 100-store pinnacle," said president and co-founder William F. Specht. "This is a tribute to all the great people that have been involved with the franchise over the last 30 years. We plan to continue our growth in Wisconsin, bringing the Cousins Subs experience to as many people as possible."
The new location is the original site of the John Hinkel Central Hall Restaurant and Saloon. Hinkel opened his first saloon in 1866 and relocated to the 3rd and State location in 1877. The location was also the former home of Jac. F. Donges Inc. hat and glove store, which served Milwaukee for 123 years until closing last year.
Men’s hats, caps and gloves are now replaced with the Cousins sub. The store has been remodeled, but much of the Old World character remains.
"The new store has a unique flavor, unlike any other Cousins Subs location," said Specht. "It will be a great place to carry on our Cousins tradition. After all, like John Hinkel and Jac F. Donges Inc., Cousins Subs is a company with a strong Milwaukee history."
The store, managed by Chris Laabs, will be open seven days a week.
Started in Milwaukee in 1972 by cousins William Specht and James Sheppard, Cousins Subs (www.cousinssubs.com) now owns 40 company stores, with the addition of the Old World Third Street location in Milwaukee. In addition, the company, which turns 30 this year, has 131 franchise locations in 10 states across the Midwest and Southwest.
New locations continue to spring up in new markets, with the newest additions in Los Angeles and San Diego. Cousins Subs has four company stores and approximately 200 franchise stores under development.
April 26, 2002 Small Business Times, Milwaukee
