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Cousins Subs' Co-Owner Sheppard Dies At Age 64

(Menomonee Falls, Wis.) – The co-owner of Cousins Submarines, Inc., James F. Sheppard died on July 2 from complications related to surgery and serious health issues.

"Jim was dedicated to this business, and it will be hard to imagine him not being part of the company," said William F. Specht, CEO and founder of Cousins Subs. "I started this company with my cousin, Jim, 35 years ago. His courage and dedication to growing this business is a major part of where we are today."

Specht attributes the success of Cousins Subs to the loyal employees who have been with the company for as many as 30 years. He considers these people key assets to the company and followers of Sheppard's passion for growing the Cousins' brand.

Sheppard was known to be a risk taker who took advantage of new opportunities. "When I mentioned the sub shop idea to Jim, he didn't even hesitate to pack everything and move his family west," explained Specht.

Specht and Sheppard both moved from south Jersey to start a sub sandwich restaurant in Milwaukee, Wis. Their focus was to bring an East Coast-style sandwich to the Midwest, which that area had not seen before. They opened their first store on 60th street in Milwaukee in 1972 by buying a pre-existing pizza and ice cream restaurant. According to Specht, "We were able to grow the company in the beginning by taking over already-built restaurants. It kept the costs down when we wanted to expand."

No funeral services will be held for Sheppard according to his wishes. He will be cremated and put to rest with his family.


About Cousins Subs
Based in Milwaukee, Wis., Cousins Submarines, Inc. is a national sub sandwich chain with 158 stores in 12 states throughout the Midwest and on the West Coast. Cousins Subs began in 1972 when two transplanted cousins from Atlantic City, William "Bill" Specht and James "Jim" Sheppard, saw the need for an East Coast-style sub shop in their new hometown. Patterning their subs after the hoagie, grinder, hero and sub sandwiches they enjoyed back East, the founders dedicated themselves to delivering quality subs at fair prices. Today, Cousins Subs restaurants around the country carry on the tradition begun in Milwaukee more than 35 years ago, serving delicious Italian bread, fresh-baked every day and topped with only the freshest produce, meats and cheeses.

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