Hubbry Logo
Firehouse SubsFirehouse SubsMain
Open search
Firehouse Subs
Community hub
Firehouse Subs
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Firehouse Subs
Firehouse Subs
from Wikipedia

Firehouse Restaurant Group, Inc., doing business as Firehouse Subs, is an American multinational fast casual restaurant chain based in Jacksonville, Florida, that specializes in submarine sandwiches. It was founded in 1994 in Jacksonville, Florida by former firefighter brothers Chris and Robin Sorensen.[3][4][5] It is a subsidiary of Restaurant Brands International, which also owns the chains Burger King, Popeyes, and Tim Hortons.

Key Information

Firehouse Subs has over 1,200 restaurants in 46 states, Puerto Rico, Switzerland, Mexico, Albania, Canada, Middle East and soon the United Kingdom and Australia by 2025[6][7][1][8][9][10][excessive citations] and in Brazil in 2026.[11]

History

[edit]
The interior of a Firehouse Subs restaurant in Jacksonville, Florida.

Brothers Chris Sorensen and Robin Sorensen followed the same career path as their father Rob Sorensen, a 43-year veteran of the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department in Jacksonville, Florida.[12]

On October 10, 1994, the first Firehouse Subs restaurant opened in Jacksonville.[13] Firehouse Subs first attempted franchising in 1995. Soon after, the founders decided to pull back on the idea, eventually buying back those franchised locations.[14] Instead, they chose to focus on operating company-owned stores only, especially in the Jacksonville area.

An example of Firehouse Subs catering

In 1998, Firehouse Subs surpassed 10 locations, and later that year opened the first location outside of Florida.[citation needed]

In 2000, the founders decided to take a different approach, using consultants to plan franchise growth. They were able to set up financing for potential franchisees. The second wave of franchising began in 2001.[citation needed]

In 2011, Firehouse Subs opened its first franchises in the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico, via local franchisee Caribbean Restaurants.[15]

By 2012 the company reached 500 locations, ending the year with nearly 600. In July 2016, Firehouse Subs opened its 1,000th location.[16]

In 2015, Firehouse Subs opened its first locations in Canada, with its first location opening in Oshawa, Ontario in October with franchisee OnFire Restaurant Group. Currently, the group operates 50 Canadian restaurants, with plans to open a total of 90 in Ontario alone.[17] The chain also launched a loyalty program.[18]

In June 2017, Firehouse Subs opened its first airport location at Jacksonville International.[19] In December 2017, the brand's second airport location opened at Orlando International.[20] In April 2018, the chain opened its first on-campus location at Western New England University.[21] In 2020 the chain opened a location at Jacksonville's Baptist Medical Center.[22]

On November 15, 2021, Burger King parent Restaurant Brands International announced that it would acquire Firehouse Subs for $1 billion.[23] The acquisition was completed on December 15, 2021.[24]

On June 22, 2023, Firehouse Subs opened its first location outside North America in Zurich, Switzerland.[25]

Restaurant concept and food

[edit]
The interior of a Firehouse Subs in Greenville, South Carolina

Owing to the Sorensens' involvement in firefighting, the interior decor of Firehouse Subs locations is inspired by fire stations, and often includes firefighter equipment and memorabilia.[13] Each location features a custom mural, hand drawn and painted at the company's headquarters in Jacksonville, Florida. The murals reflect fire and police service unique to each restaurant's community or town. No two of the more than 1,200 murals painted are the same.[26]

[edit]

The menu, which features hot specialty subs, salads, and other seasonal items, takes inspiration from the firehouse with names like Hook & Ladder, Engineer, and Firehouse Hero.[27] The subs are prepared with meats and cheeses, on toasted sub rolls, and served "Fully Involved" with vegetables and condiments. Chris and Robin remain in charge of the menu, and work alongside their director of product development Jay Miller, who joined the company in 2017.[28]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Firehouse Subs is an American fast-casual specializing in hot sandwiches (subs), salads, and other hearty meals, founded in 1994 by brothers Chris Sorensen and Robin Sorensen, both former firefighters, in . The chain's concept draws inspiration from the founders' firefighting backgrounds, featuring a menu of oversized, steamed subs served on toasted white or wheat rolls with premium meats, cheeses, and fresh toppings like sautéed peppers, onions, and . Signature items include the Hook & Ladder (smoked turkey breast and honey ham with cheese) and the Firehouse Steak & Cheese (sautéed steak with , peppers, and onions). Headquartered in , Firehouse Subs has grown rapidly through since 1995, reaching over 1,400 locations across the , , , and international markets including , , and the as of late 2025. The brand emphasizes a distinctive in-store atmosphere with memorabilia, red and yellow decor mimicking firehouses, and a commitment to "hearty food, heartfelt service, and public safety." In 2021, Firehouse Subs was acquired by , the parent company of , , and , which has supported its global expansion. A core aspect of the brand is its through the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, established in 2005 by the founders in response to , which funds lifesaving equipment and training for . As of September 2025, the foundation has awarded over $100 million in grants to public safety organizations worldwide, with a portion of sales from every U.S. location contributing to these efforts. This mission-driven approach, combined with high average unit volumes, has positioned Firehouse Subs as a leader in the sandwich segment of the quick-service restaurant industry.

History

Founding

Firehouse Subs was founded by brothers Chris Sorensen and Robin Sorensen, both former firefighters with deep family roots in public safety service. Their father, Rob Sorensen, served 43 years in the , instilling a strong connection to the profession that influenced their entrepreneurial path. Before launching the chain, the brothers had pursued several unsuccessful ventures, including attempts in rock 'n' roll, , and farming, which left them financially strained but determined to find a viable . Inspired by the hearty, communal meals they enjoyed during their firefighting days, and Robin decided to create a sandwich shop that captured the essence of camaraderie and quality food. With less than $100 in their bank accounts, they secured small loans from family and friends to open the first location on October 10, 1994, along San Jose Boulevard in Jacksonville's Mandarin neighborhood, . At the time, was 34 and Robin was 26, and the modest startup reflected their resourcefulness amid prior setbacks. The initial menu emphasized hot, steamed submarine sandwiches made with premium ingredients, such as fresh-sliced meats and cheeses steamed on toasted sub rolls, alongside fresh produce to evoke the satisfying, no-frills meals of fire stations. Operating as a company-owned store without at the outset, the quickly gained local popularity for its authentic theme—complete with memorabilia and a —which resonated with Jacksonville patrons and generated $347,000 in sales during its first year.

Domestic growth and franchising

Firehouse Subs began its franchising efforts in 1995, shortly after opening its first location in , but quickly encountered challenges related to quality control and operational consistency across franchisees. The founders, Chris and Robin Sorensen, decided to halt expansion and repurchase the early franchises, shifting focus to developing company-owned stores throughout the late . This period allowed the brand to refine its systems and grow to over a dozen locations, primarily in and nearby states, before resuming around 2000 with a more structured approach. By 2001, Firehouse Subs had recommenced aggressive , emphasizing rigorous training and support to ensure brand standards, which fueled rapid domestic expansion. The company reached 100 locations by 2003, surpassing 400 around 2011, 500 by 2012, and over 1,000 by 2016 as it opened stores across 46 states and . Growth strategies included targeted site selection in urban and suburban areas with high foot traffic and proximity to communities, using data-driven market planning to identify secondary and tertiary opportunities for . A pivotal event in 2005 was the company's response to , where the Sorensen brothers traveled to to provide meals to and victims, demonstrating operational resilience amid disaster recovery efforts. This experience not only tested the brand's and logistics but also reinforced its commitment to supporting public safety personnel, laying groundwork for future initiatives while highlighting the adaptability of its franchise network during crises.

Acquisition and international expansion

On November 15, 2021, announced its agreement to acquire Firehouse Subs for $1 billion in an all-cash transaction, with the deal funded through a combination of cash on hand and debt. The acquisition was completed on December 15, 2021, integrating Firehouse Subs into RBI's portfolio alongside brands such as , , and . Following the acquisition, RBI outlined goals to accelerate both domestic and international growth for Firehouse Subs, leveraging its expertise in , franchise development, and to expand the brand's footprint. This strategic alignment aimed to position Firehouse Subs for enhanced market penetration, particularly in international markets where RBI's established infrastructure could support rapid scaling. Key international milestones began in 2023 with the opening of the brand's first store outside in Zug, , on June 22, marking its European debut. That same month, Firehouse Subs signed a development agreement to launch operations in starting later in 2023. In September 2023, the brand entered the through an agreement with Apparel Group to develop more than 100 restaurants across the UAE and over the next decade. Expansion continued into 2025 with the January announcement of a for , targeting over 500 stores across the country over 10 years, with the first location slated to open that year, and a agreement for aiming for 165 locations over 10 years, with the first opening planned for 2025. As of October 2025, Firehouse Subs had reached 1,400 locations globally, including international sites. The brand's international includes plans for more than 765 new openings over the coming decade, focusing on high-potential markets to drive sustained growth under RBI's oversight.

Business operations

Franchise model

Firehouse Subs operates primarily as a franchise-based , having resumed aggressive efforts in 2001 after an initial pause in the mid-1990s. As of 2025, approximately 97% of its locations are franchised, reflecting a heavy reliance on independent operators to drive expansion. Prospective franchisees must meet specific financial qualifications, including a minimum of $300,000 and of at least $150,000. The brand prefers multi-unit operators who demonstrate strong ties to their local communities, emphasizing hands-on involvement to uphold the company's service-oriented ethos. The initial is $20,000, with total costs ranging from $379,650 to $795,600 per traditional in-line unit, covering , , and initial operations. Following its acquisition by (RBI) in December 2021, Firehouse Subs provides comprehensive ongoing support to franchisees, including assistance to evaluate market potential and profitability. Training programs total over 270 hours, encompassing on-the-job experience, classroom modules on operations, management, and , as well as virtual sessions on marketing and community engagement. Additional resources cover national marketing initiatives and access to a franchisee network for shared best practices. The model prioritizes owner-operators who align with Firehouse Subs' mission of supporting first responders, requiring active participation in community service as a core operational principle. This focus ensures franchisees contribute to the brand's culture of heartfelt service and philanthropy integration at the local level.

Locations and market presence

As of late 2025, Firehouse Subs operates over 1,400 locations worldwide, with approximately 1,250 in the United States across 46 states and territories. The chain maintains a strong concentration in the Southeastern United States, where Florida leads with 174 locations, followed by Georgia with 99 and Texas with 132, reflecting its origins and early market penetration in the region. Expansion efforts have extended into the Midwest and West Coast, with notable presence in states like Illinois, Colorado, and California to broaden its domestic footprint. Internationally, Firehouse Subs has a modest but growing presence, with around 150 units primarily in , alongside limited operations in (one flagship location), initial openings in , and emerging sites in the , particularly the . Development agreements signal further international growth, including plans for over 500 restaurants in starting in 2025 and additional entries into markets like . Firehouse Subs positions itself as a fast-casual player in the U.S. sandwich and sub industry, valued at approximately $46 billion in , where it competes directly with larger chains like Subway and Jersey Mike's through its focus on hot, premium subs and firefighter-themed branding. The brand adapts to diverse site types, including urban and suburban standalone , as well as non-traditional venues such as airports (e.g., Jacksonville International and Orlando International) and university campuses, to enhance accessibility and capture varied demographics.

Restaurant concept

Design and atmosphere

Firehouse Subs restaurants feature a distinctive firehouse theme that immerses patrons in a environment, with walls adorned by memorabilia such as helmets, axes, hoses, , and historic contributed by local fire departments. The design emphasizes an open kitchen layout, where the sandwich production area is visible to guests, allowing them to observe the steaming and assembly of hot subs in real time. In 2019, Firehouse Subs introduced its "Restaurant of the Future" , the brand's first major redesign in 25 years, which has been implemented in subsequent locations including openings in 2023 and beyond; this update incorporates modern efficiencies such as a repositioned ordering counter at the front of the store, a dedicated "Rapid Rescue" area for to-go orders, and a streamlined kitchen reduced by up to 25% in size to accelerate service flow. The preserves core heritage elements like hand-painted murals depicting local fire and rescue scenes—created by artist Joe "Art Brush" Puskas for every location—while enhancing signage that highlights the brand's support for . To further modernize operations, Firehouse Subs announced plans in early 2024 to transition toward 100% digital ordering by installing kiosks in place of traditional counters, aiming to streamline guest interactions and boost efficiency without altering the thematic core. Seating in the updated design has been optimized for quicker turnover, reduced from 50 to 28 spots with a mix of small tables, larger group options, and an 8-seat community table, fostering a sense of communal heroism tied to public safety. Employee uniforms contribute to the atmosphere of urgency and heroism, consisting of branded red or black polo shirts and tees emblazoned with firehouse-inspired logos and phrases like "Stand Back 200 Feet," paired with practical attire such as and caps to evoke a ready-for-action aesthetic. Decor elements, including these uniforms and the aforementioned murals serving as "walls of fame" for local , reinforce the brand's commitment to honoring public safety personnel. Typical Firehouse Subs locations span 1,200 to 2,000 square feet, with the prototype design at around 1,600 square feet, intentionally compact to support high-volume, rapid-service operations in retail settings.

Service style and customer experience

Firehouse Subs employs a fast-casual service model, where customers approach the counter to place orders and observe the preparation of their meals in real time. This approach emphasizes efficiency and transparency, allowing patrons to see their subs being assembled with fresh ingredients. For hot subs, meats and cheeses are steamed using a specialized drawer-style steamer, which locks in flavors and juices while maintaining a quick preparation pace. Central to the customer experience is the brand's motto of "hearty food and heartfelt service," which stems from the founders' backgrounds as firefighters and informs staff interactions. Employees are trained to deliver welcoming, personal service, often greeting customers with enthusiastic phrases like "Welcome to Firehouse!" to foster a and value. Orders can be highly customized, with options for bread types including white, wheat, or Italian herb and herb, along with selections of toppings, cheeses, sauces, and adjustable heat levels to suit individual preferences. In addition to in-store dining, Firehouse Subs offers services tailored for events, featuring boxed individual subs paired with sides such as chips, cookies, or salads for convenient group servings. The Firehouse Rewards enables customers to accumulate points on every purchase, redeemable for free items, and since the acquisition by , it has integrated with the parent company's broader digital app ecosystem to streamline mobile ordering and rewards tracking. This firehouse-themed environment further enhances the engaging and thematic customer journey.

Philanthropy

Public Safety Foundation

The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation was established in 2005 by former firefighters and Firehouse Subs founders Chris Sorensen and Robin Sorensen in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Inspired by their experiences providing meals to first responders and survivors along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the Sorensens created the organization to support public safety personnel beyond immediate disaster relief. As a 501(c)(3) headquartered in , the foundation has Firehouse Subs as its primary corporate donor. Its mission is to impact the lifesaving capabilities and the lives of local heroes and their by providing equipment, training, and resources to fire, police, and EMS agencies. This focus reflects the brand's origins in the , emphasizing support for those who serve. The foundation is governed by a chaired by Robin Sorensen, which includes co-founder Chris Sorensen as well as representatives from (RBI), the parent company of Firehouse Subs since . Other board members include industry leaders such as Bill Hart, Randy White, and Mike Hancock. Grants are awarded to public safety organizations across the , including all 50 states and , with occasional support extending to Canadian agencies through aligned initiatives. Funding for the foundation comes primarily from Firehouse Subs, which covers portions of its annual operating costs through contributions tied to proceeds. In its early years, support was drawn from a of net sales, evolving to include ongoing purchase-based donations from guests and suppliers, such as 0.075% of purchases at Firehouse Subs locations in 2025. Additional revenue is generated from individual and corporate donations.

Donation impact and initiatives

As of October 2025, the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation had donated more than $102 million to support primarily across , funding 7,013 grants that provided essential equipment such as thermal imaging cameras, automated external defibrillators (AEDs), drones, and extrication tools. These grants have directly enhanced public safety operations, enabling quicker responses to emergencies and saving numerous lives through improved tools for rescue and medical interventions. In 2025, the foundation introduced an initiative donating 0.075% of all U.S. purchases at Firehouse Subs locations, supplemented by contributions from suppliers through the Firehouse of America program, to further bolster its funding efforts. In November 2025, it launched a limited-edition "Gravy Extinguisher" promotion for , with 100% of proceeds from $20 sales benefiting the foundation. Core programs include equipment grants for local fire, police, and EMS departments; supporting aspiring enrolled in relevant training programs; and funds to aid recovery in affected communities. Marking its 20th anniversary in 2025, the foundation reached the milestone of over $100 million in donations amid Firehouse Subs' international growth into markets like and .

Hot specialty subs

Firehouse Subs' hot specialty subs form the cornerstone of the brand's menu, emphasizing premium deli meats and cheeses that are steamed to enhance flavor and retain moisture on toasted private-recipe sub rolls. This steaming process, applied after portioning the ingredients, is a distinctive preparation method that sets the subs apart by infusing heat without drying out the components. Available in small (approximately 4 inches), medium (approximately 8 inches), and large (approximately 12 inches) sizes, these subs are designed for hearty meals and can be ordered hot to ensure the cheeses melt seamlessly with the meats. Among the signature hot subs, the Hook & Ladder combines smoked turkey breast, honey ham, and melted cheese, finished with , , onion, , and deli mustard, accompanied by a dill pickle spear on the side. The Italian sub layers , , ham capicola, and cheese, dressed with Italian vinaigrette, , , and onion for a classic deli profile. The Firehouse Meatball features Italian-seasoned meatballs in zesty , topped with melted and cheese, evoking a comforting, hearty bite. Additional hot specialty options expand the variety, including the Turkey Bacon Ranch with smoked turkey breast, crispy bacon strips, or pepper jack cheese, and creamy ranch dressing, often enhanced with lettuce, tomato, and onion. The Engineer sub includes smoked turkey breast, melted Swiss cheese, sautéed mushrooms, , and deli mustard, providing a savory, earthy twist. For bolder flavors, the Spicy Cajun Chicken offers Cajun-seasoned chicken breast, pepper jack cheese, jalapeños, and Cajun , while the Jamaican Jerk Turkey features jerk-seasoned turkey breast, pepper jack cheese, and a Caribbean-inspired , both customizable with fresh toppings. Prices vary by location, typically ranging from $8.99 to $13.99 for small, medium, and large hot specialty subs as of 2025. Customization is a key aspect, allowing additions of fresh vegetables like , , and , along with house , and optional heat from spicy peppers such as jalapeños or peppers to suit individual preferences.

Salads, sides, and other items

Firehouse Subs provides a variety of salads as lighter options, featuring fresh bases topped with vegetables, cheeses, and proteins. Key offerings include the Firehouse Salad with smoked turkey breast, the Hook & Ladder Salad combining smoked turkey breast and honey ham, the Italian Grilled Chicken Salad with grilled chicken breast, , and , and the Smokin' Triple Stack Salad featuring smoked turkey breast, honey ham, and . These salads are accompanied by dressings such as oil and , light Italian , , and peppercorn , allowing for customization to suit preferences. Complementing the salads, sides emphasize convenience and variety, including an assortment of chips in flavors like original, , salt and , and . The also features Firehouse Chili, a hearty and blend, alongside desserts such as cookies and fudgy brownies. Additional sides like a basic side with romaine, tomatoes, green bell peppers, cucumbers, and provide a fresh, low-calorie . Beverage selections focus on refreshing and classic options, with fountain sodas available via Coca-Cola Freestyle machines offering over 100 customizable flavors, including Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Sprite, Dr Pepper, and Fanta. Bottled beverages such as sodas, lemonades, and waters are also offered, alongside sweet tea served in individual cups or gallon jugs for larger groups. For those seeking alternatives to hot subs, Firehouse Subs includes cold subs and wraps, such as the Veggie Sub loaded with provolone and cheddar cheeses, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and mayo on a choice of bread or wrap, and the Ham & Swiss Sub featuring premium ham, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and deli mustard. These items are served cold without steaming, providing non-heated sandwich varieties. Catering packages extend these options through platters designed for groups, including platters like the Classic Chopped Salad or Deluxe versions with added proteins, served in portions for 10-12 people. platters feature assortments of cookies or brownies, often bundled with sub platters, chips, and beverages for complete event setups. Nutritionally, salads range from approximately 60 calories for a basic side to 200-400 calories for entrée versions, depending on toppings and dressings, offering balanced, protein-inclusive choices. Sides typically fall between 150-300 calories, with chips at around 240 calories per bag, chili providing a warmer option at similar levels, and like cookies at approximately 310 calories or brownies at 300 calories each.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.