Cousins Subs Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

KEY FRANCHISE STATS

All you need to know about this franchise in a snapshot

Franchisees

?

36
+
-25%
-25%
Investment required

?

$465,000 - $1,165,000
Revenue (AUV)

?

$687,000
Undisclosed
Pro
+
-2.2%
+
xx%
-xx%
-2.2%
Initial franchise fee

?

$25,000
Royalty fees

?

6.00%
+
5% - 8%
Operating Profit

?

8.1%

Pro
Franchisees

?

36
+
-25%
-25%
Investment required

?

$465,000 - $1,165,000
Franchise fee

?

$25,000
Royalty fees

?

6.00%
+
5% - 8%
Revenue (AUV)

?

$687,000
Undisclosed
Pro
+
-2.2%
+
xx%
-xx%
-2.2%
Operating Profit

?

8.1%

Pro

Cousins Subs: A Leader in Quality Sandwiches and Community Engagement

Cousins Subs is a distinguished name in the fast-food industry, renowned for its grilled and deli-fresh submarine sandwiches. The company, founded in 1972, operates on a philosophy that emphasizes superior quality and service, which is reflected in its product offerings and overall operations.

Cousins Subs has carved out a niche for itself by prioritizing high-quality, fresh ingredients in its sandwiches, standing out in the competitive fast-food market. Based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Cousins Subs has experienced significant growth since its early days, developing a strong franchise model that has expanded its footprint well beyond its original location.

Cousins Subs sets itself apart from other fast-food chains through its use of premium ingredients, distinctive menu options, and a commitment to community involvement. The brand's efforts to support local communities and participate in charitable activities enhance its reputation as a socially responsible and favored choice among consumers.

Initial investment

Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $25,000
Leasehold Improvements $205,000 - $600,000
Equipment and Small Wares $135,000 - $190,000
Seating Package / Millwork $30,000 - $75,000
Initial Inventory and Supplies $6,000 - $18,000
Point of Sale System / Technology $10,000 - $30,000
Architectural Fees $9,000 - $52,000
Rent $3,000 - $15,000
Lease and Utility Security Deposits $0 - $15,000
Insurance $700 - $1,500
Training $2,500 - $15,000
Store Marketing Fee $10,000
Lease Addendum Review Fee $0 - $5,000
Signage $8,500 - $63,000
Additional Funds – 3 months $20,000 - $50,000
TOTAL $464,700 - $1,164,500

Franchise Disclosure Document

Competitors

Franchise
Franchisees
Growth
Initial fee
Investment
Revenue
Gross Profit
Operating Profit
Industry

36

+
-25%
-25%
No growth
New

$25,000

$465,000

-

$1,165,000

n.a.

$687,000

Pro

72.5%

Pro

8.1%

Pro

Food & Beverage

Training 

Cousins Subs delivers a thorough training program to ensure franchisees have the essential knowledge and skills to effectively run their establishment.

Who Needs to Attend

The franchisee or their appointed managers must complete the initial training program provided by Cousins Subs.

Training Content

The program encompasses crucial topics for operating the establishment, including sales strategies, product orientation, accounting procedures, food preparation, and operations management.

Location and Duration

Training takes place at Cousins Subs' corporate office in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, and other designated training facilities. The program lasts a minimum of 25 days, with the exact duration depending on the experience and needs of the franchisee and their managers, as assessed by Cousins Subs.

Training Expenses

While Cousins Subs covers the cost of the initial training program for the franchisee's designated managers, franchisees are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, and other related expenses during training.

Territory Protection

Franchisees are not granted an exclusive territory and may face competition from various sources, including other franchisees, franchisor-owned outlets, and other distribution channels or competitive brands managed by the franchisor.

Operational Location

Franchisees operate from a specific approved location, with the territory defined by this location. If the approved location is a Non-Traditional Location, the territory will consist solely of that Non-Traditional Location.

Territorial Exclusions

Certain exclusions apply to the territory. Besides the limited exclusivity provided, the franchisor and its affiliates retain all other rights within the territory. This includes the right to use, franchise, or license others to use the Marks and System for the operation of other businesses, even within the franchisee's designated territory.

Number of units

2025
Franchised units

48

41

36

Company-owned units

44

50

58

Total units

92

91

94

Competitors

PrimoHoagies

Investment required
$351,000
-
$760,000
Franchisees
93
+
18%
18%

Penn Station East Coast Subs

Investment required
$474,000
-
$765,000
Franchisees
321
+
1%
1%

Ike's

Investment required
$141,000
-
$614,000
Franchisees
6
+
200%
200%

Goodcents Deli Fresh Subs

Investment required
$329,000
-
$465,000
Franchisees
65
+
0%
0%

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