“We made many trips to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to visit family that lived there,” Evola says. “This is when I had my first exposure to Cousins Subs. Every time we came back to Milwaukee, we made it a priority to eat at Cousins Subs. They quickly became our favorite sub sandwiches!”

 

Evola recently signed a lease at 45 W. Crystal Lake St. Suite 179 in Orlando. The restaurant is approximately 1,593 square feet and will seat about 32 guests.

 

The store opening is part of the revitalization of SODO Orlando, an area of Downtown Orlando southward. SODO is transforming an industrial block into a thriving, urban activity center. SODO integrates marquee retailers, alongside luxury residential, office space, and restaurants. Located in one of the fastest growing U.S. cities, this 22-acre, mixed-use development is located between S. Orange Ave. and Grant St.

 

“After running a successful business in Venezuela, my wife and I decided to move our family to the United States and invest in a business here. My cousin in Milwaukee suggested we open a Cousins Subs franchise in Orlando,” Evola continues. “We love the sandwiches. Everything about the company is high quality, and we were impressed with the business model that Cousins Subs has in place for new franchises. Their team has been very supportive throughout the process.”

 

The opening of Evola’s store in the Florida market will mark the sixth state for Wisconsin-based Cousins Subs restaurants. 

 

“Jack’s story was so moving from the very beginning,” Joe Ferguson, vice president of development from Cousins Subs stated. “To have someone from a different country be inspired by our product to the point of wanting to open his own restaurant is phenomenal. We’re confident his store will be successful.”

 

Evola plans to establish more Cousins Subs stores in the Orlando-area in the future.