Cousins Subs Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Cousins Subs offers made-to-order submarine sandwiches with a variety of toppings and fillings, providing a satisfying meal experience.

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.

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
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

Below are some of

Cousins Subs

key competitors in the

Sandwich

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Initial fee
Total investment
Revenue
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Gross Profit
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EBITDA
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36

New
+
-25%
-25%

$25,000

$465,000

$1,165,000

n.a.

$687,000

$xxx,xxx

72.5%

xx%

n.a.

8.1%

xx%

n.a.

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Number of units

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.

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.

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.

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.

Competitors

Blimpie

Blimpie is a sandwich shop franchise known as “America’s Sub Shop,” offering handcrafted subs, salads, and wraps in traditional and express formats, supported by established brand recognition and operational guidance.

Franchisees

?

97
+
-15%
-15%
Investment

?

$90,000 - $589,000

Potbelly Sandwich

Potbelly Sandwich Shop is a fast-casual restaurant franchise known for its toasted sandwiches, soups, and salads. It emphasizes a warm, neighborhood atmosphere and uses high-quality ingredients to deliver comfort food.

Franchisees

?

95
+
111%
111%
Investment

?

$654,000 - $1,274,000

Sourdough & Co

Sourdough & Co is a fast-casual restaurant franchise known for its gourmet sandwiches, soups, and salads served on freshly baked sourdough bread in a warm, inviting setting.

Franchisees

?

78
+
2500%
2500%
Investment

?

$286,000 - $569,000

I Heart Mac and Cheese

I Heart Mac and Cheese is a fast-casual restaurant franchise specializing in customizable mac and cheese bowls, grilled cheese sandwiches, and comfort food.

Franchisees

?

33
+
267%
267%
Investment

?

$330,000 - $809,000

South Philly Steaks and Fries

South Philly Steaks and Fries is a casual dining franchise that serves classic Philly cheesesteaks, hearty sandwiches, and crispy fries with a focus on bold and satisfying flavors.

Franchisees

?

1
+
0%
0%
Investment

?

$321,000 - $607,000

Roly Poly

Roly Poly serves a variety of rolled sandwiches and wraps, offering fresh and flavorful meal options in a convenient format.

Franchisees

?

25
+
-22%
-22%
Investment

?

$107,000 - $227,000