John Stewart, Jr. and John Stewart, Sr.
Cousins Subs
Based in Menomonee Falls, Cousins Submarines Inc. and its franchisees operate more than 100 sub sandwich shops throughout Wisconsin and Arizona.
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- “He is still guiding me on everything I need to know,” Stewart, Jr. says about his dad. “He has always mentored me. On paper I’m the boss, but in reality, I am still learning something new every day.”
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- Cousins sub
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- “I liked Cousins because it is also a family-run business, which was very appealing to both of us,” Stewart, Jr. said.
February 2016
John Stewart, Jr. and his dad, John Stewart, Sr., decide to sell their family business, Milwaukee-based Food Services Inc. They ran that business, which provides food service programs, event catering and vending to colleges and businesses, for nearly 25 years.
New venture sought
John Stewart, Jr., began looking for a new opportunity.
June 2016
Stewart, Jr. starts his own company, JJLK Corp., which are the initials of his four children. He is a 90 percent owner in the company. His father is JJLK Corp.’s secretary.
December 2016
The Stewarts purchase three Cousins Subs restaurants in 15 days, two in Sheboygan and one in Mequon. At the time, their goal was to eventually become the largest Cousins franchise owner.
June 2017
Stewart, Jr. says he is now just beginning to catch his breath. While he still wants to expand, his plans are a little less grandiose. “It was a bit of a challenge upfront, but I feel like I’ve got the hang of it,” Stewart said. “I’m holding off a little bit on the next expansion. My long-term plan is still more Cousins, but it is just getting a little bit further away. Maybe I’ll be the largest (Cousins franchisee) in Wisconsin.”
