This morning Cousins Subs announced that – for the first time in the brand’s 50-year history – they will be entering into a joint venture partnership with none other than Green Bay football legend Donald Driver.
The new partnership will mark a monumental step forward in the brand’s expansion plans.
“Since establishing Cousins Subs 50 years ago, we have been very protective of our family-owned brand,” said Christine Specht, CEO at Cousins Subs. “We only partner with people who understand our mission and have the desire to help us grow.
"Donald truly embodies everything our brand stands for – his philanthropic heart, moral compass and positive outlook closely align with our values and make him a great addition to the family.”
As part of the joint venture, Driver and Cousins Subs corporate will share ownership of six previously corporate-owned locations in the Fox Valley. Two stores are located in Green Bay, two in Oshkosh, one in Appleton and one in Neenah.
All six will continue to operate under the guise of the Cousins corporate operations team. However, throughout the partnership, Driver will forge specific connections with both the locations and the local communities in which they operate.
“From the time Cousins Subs first entered my life more than 20 years ago, I knew I wanted to be a part of it,” Driver said. “Delicious turkey sandwiches aside, I’ve always admired the amount of time and effort the brand dedicates to giving back to local communities.
"Wisconsin holds a special place in my heart and I’m excited for the opportunity to reconnect with the Fox Valley community with the help of this meaningful brand. It’s an honor to be welcomed into the family with open arms and I look forward to the impact we can make in Wisconsin and beyond, together.”
Driver will also assist the Cousins Subs brand in achieving its mission to “believe in better” and seek out continual improvement by serving as a resource for future growth in Wisconsin, the Midwest and beyond.
“This partnership is unlike anything we’ve ever done as a brand,” said Justin McCoy, vice president of marketing at Cousins Subs. “Donald brings a fresh perspective to our team with his diverse background, Wisconsin roots, national recognition and overall passion for the brand. We’re thrilled to have Donald as part of our family and can’t wait to work together to grow the brand in Wisconsin and beyond.”
In celebration of the new partnership, Cousins Subs will offer double points for Cousins Club members every Saturday and Sunday through the remainder of 2022.
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
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