Cousins Subs, the Menomonee Falls, Wisc.-based chain specializing in East Coast-style submarine sandwiches, is expanding its presence locally. With five restaurants already up and running in Minnesota, the company plans to add two new locations throughout Austin over the next two to three years.

“This is a great opportunity for potential business owners to join our growing brand,” said Christine Specht, president and COO of Cousins Subs.

Cousins, which has become a household name throughout the Midwest since its inception in 1972, is a leading quick-service sandwich chain fueling its expansion through franchising. Cousins is seeking a mix of multi-unit operators to open three to five restaurants within a short period of time as well as multi-concept franchisees who already own restaurants of a non-competing brand wishing to expand their portfolios.

“We aren’t just expanding for the sake of expansion; we want to make sure we have the right people in place,” Specht said. “In many systems, if you can breathe and write a check, you can own a franchise. Cousins has always had an excellent screening process but now we’re being even more judicious about everything from cultural and social compatibility to real estate. We could have 350 locations right now but we have 150 because we have been so selective. It may create more challenges and take us a little longer to reach our goals but this strategy makes our system stronger overall.”

Cousins Subs is expanding its presence locally as a result of growing demand. “With increasingly busy schedules impinging upon family time, local residents continue seeking high-quality yet quick and affordable meals to enjoy with their families,” Specht said. “Additional locations will provide this option to even more people in the area.”

What else draws customers? As well as its fresh ingredients and family-friendly atmosphere, Cousins serves larger than average submarine sandwiches – 7.5 inches versus their competitors’ 6-inch offerings – made-to-order and tailored to each customers’ specifications. Sandwiches are served on a variety of freshly-baked breads, along with salads, soups, chips and soft drinks.

In addition to Austin, Cousins is also continuing its expansion throughout the Midwest including Wisconsin and Illinois as well as Arizona. The company currently operates 16 company-owned units and 133 franchised locations in six states. For more information, visit www.cousinssubs.com or contact Mark Cairns at 262-825-8418.