[2] It was founded in 1972 by cousins Bill Specht and Jim Sheppard and is a regional chain with restaurants in Wisconsin and Indiana.

[4] Specht and Sheppard opened their first restaurant in Milwaukee, which was located at 60th Street and Silver Spring Drive.

[7] In 2009, Cousins Subs announced it would put an increased focus on the local side of the business.

[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.

[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.