What Cousins Subs is and where to find locations

Cousins Subs is a submarine sandwich chain based in Wisconsin that operates roughly 80 locations across the Midwest and a handful of other states. The chain is known for Italian beef sandwiches, Italian sausage sandwiches, and customizable submarine sandwiches made to order. Unlike some national chains, Cousins Subs has a regional footprint — most locations are in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota, though a few exist in other states.

You can find a Cousins Subs location using their website location finder, which shows addresses, hours, and phone numbers. Not every location is open every day, and hours vary by store. If you are near the Wisconsin-Illinois border or in the Twin Cities area, you are most likely to find one nearby. If you live outside the Midwest, Cousins Subs does not currently operate in your region.

Key Takeaways

  • Cousins Subs is a regional chain with locations mainly in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota, so availability depends on where you live.
  • The menu centers on submarine sandwiches, Italian beef, and Italian sausage, with sides like cheese curds and frozen custard at some locations.
  • You can order in person, by phone, or through their website for pickup at most locations.
  • Pricing is typical for a casual sandwich shop — individual sandwiches usually cost between $8 and $14 depending on the type and size.
  • Some locations offer dine-in seating, while others are pickup or drive-through only, so check your local store before visiting.

Menu options and what each sandwich type includes

Cousins Subs divides its menu into a few main categories. The Italian beef sandwich is thinly sliced seasoned beef on a long roll, often served with peppers and onions. The Italian sausage sandwich is a grilled sausage patty on a similar roll. Both come with standard toppings like lettuce, tomato, and mayo, and you can add or remove items.

The submarine sandwiches are the largest part of the menu — these are customizable and built to your order. You choose a protein (turkey, roast beef, ham, tuna, or vegetarian options), then add cheese, vegetables, and condiments. Sizes typically range from 6 inches to 12 inches. Most locations also serve cheese curds and frozen custard, though not every store carries these items — call ahead if these are what you came for.

Combo meals usually include a sandwich, fries or chips, and a drink. Pricing varies by location and sandwich type, but a single sandwich typically runs $8 to $14, and a combo adds $3 to $5 more. Exact prices are not listed online — you need to call your local store or check in person.

How to order and what payment methods are accepted

Most Cousins Subs locations accept orders three ways: in person at the counter, by phone, or through their website. Phone orders are common for pickup, and many stores can tell you how long a sandwich will take to make when you call. Website ordering is available at some locations but not all — check whether your store offers it before you try to place an order online.

Payment methods vary by location. Most accept cash and major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express). Some locations may accept digital payment apps like Apple Pay or Google Pay, but this is not may provide. Call your local store if you want to confirm what they take before you arrive. Drive-through locations typically handle card payments at the window, while dine-in stores may let you pay at the counter or table.

Dine-in versus pickup and drive-through options

Not all Cousins Subs locations are the same. Some have dine-in seating where you can eat in the restaurant. Others are pickup-only, meaning you order and take your food with you. A few locations have drive-through windows. Your local store's setup depends on the building and the franchise owner, so you cannot assume all locations work the same way.

Before you visit, check the location finder on their website or call the store directly to confirm whether they have dine-in seating. If you are planning to eat there, this matters — you do not want to arrive expecting a table and find out it is pickup only. Drive-through locations are less common but do exist at some stores, particularly in suburban areas.

Nutritional information and dietary restrictions

Cousins Subs publishes nutritional information for their sandwiches on their website, including calories, fat, sodium, and protein. You can view this information before you order. If you have a food allergy or dietary restriction, call your local store directly — staff can tell you which sandwiches contain specific ingredients and what cross-contamination risks exist in their kitchen.

The chain does not prominently market vegetarian or vegan options, but vegetarian sandwiches can be made by ordering a submarine with cheese and vegetables only. Gluten-free bread is not available at most locations. If you need to avoid certain ingredients, speaking to the store manager by phone is faster and more reliable than asking at the counter during a busy lunch rush.

Franchise ownership and why locations vary

Cousins Subs is a franchise operation, meaning individual store owners operate under the Cousins Subs name but make decisions about hours, menu items, and services. This is why one location might have frozen custard and dine-in seating while another nearby location does not. It also explains why phone numbers and hours can change — franchise owners set their own schedules.

If you have a complaint about a specific location or want to know whether a store carries a particular item, contact that store directly rather than the corporate office. The store owner controls what they serve and how they operate. If a location closes or changes hours, the website location finder should reflect this, but it is always worth calling to confirm before you make a trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all Cousins Subs locations have the same menu?

No. While the core sandwiches are the same everywhere, some locations add items like cheese curds or frozen custard while others do not. Hours and dine-in availability also differ by store. Call your local location to confirm what they serve.

Can I order online for delivery?

Cousins Subs does not offer delivery through their website or third-party apps at most locations. You can order online for pickup at stores that have that option, but you will need to pick it up yourself. Check your store's website to see if online ordering is available.

What is the difference between the Italian beef and a submarine sandwich?

Italian beef is a specific sandwich made with thinly sliced seasoned beef, while submarine sandwiches are customizable — you choose the protein and toppings. Italian beef comes mostly the same way everywhere; submarines are built to your order.

Are there Cousins Subs locations outside the Midwest?

Very few. The chain is based in Wisconsin and operates almost entirely in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota. A small number of locations exist in other states, but the chain is not widely available nationally. Use the location finder to see if there is one near you.

Can I call ahead to order and pick up later?

Yes. Most locations take phone orders for pickup. Call the store directly, place your order, and they will tell you when it will be ready. This is faster than waiting in line during busy times.