Cousins Subs Mesa, Chandler

When New Jersey transplant Bill Specht arrived in Milwaukee in the 1960s, he had trouble finding two of life's greatest necessities: a steady job and a tasty East Coast–style sub that harked back to his childhood. In 1972, Specht mustered up the entrepreneurial spirit to solve his predicaments by opening Cousins Subs with the help of his cousin and both of their wives. An original, house-crafted bread recipe and walls slathered in yeast allowed Cousins Subs to expand to more than 100 locations across six states. The shop's signature italian subs—complemented by salads, chips, and fresh-baked cookies—showcase its hallmark bread and an unwavering mission to handcraft warm, meaty bites comprising fresh ingredients.