Firehouse Subs
| Company type | Division |
|---|---|
| Industry | Fast casual dining |
| Founded | October 10, 1994 in Jacksonville, Florida, United States |
| Founder | Chris Sorensen, Robin Sorensen |
| Headquarters | Jacksonville , United States |
Area served | United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, Switzerland, Albania, Middle East |
Key people | Don Fox (CEO) |
| Products | Submarine sandwiches |
Number of employees | 2000 |
| Parent | Restaurant Brands International |
Firehouse Restaurant Group, Inc., known commercially as Firehouse Subs, is a fast casual dining chain based in the United States, with its corporate headquarters located in Jacksonville, Florida. The enterprise was established in 1994 by brothers Chris and Robin Sorensen, both former firefighters, and it focuses on offering submarine sandwiches. Currently, it operates as a division of Restaurant Brands International, the parent company that also owns Burger King, Popeyes, and Tim Hortons.
Operating over 1,200 outlets in 46 U.S. states along with locations in Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, Switzerland, Albania, and the Middle East, Firehouse Subs is pursuing international expansion. The brand aims to enter markets such as the United Kingdom and Australia by 2025, followed by Brazil in 2026. This global footprint aligns with a strategic plan to boost its presence within the fast casual restaurant sector.
In terms of financial performance, Firehouse Subs reported system-wide sales amounting to US$1.09 billion in 2021, with net earnings of US$2 million and total assets valued at US$1.10 billion. The company employs around 2,000 personnel and capitalizes on its robust brand identity and franchising capabilities under the guidance of CEO Don Fox.
History
Firehouse Subs was founded by brothers Chris and Robin Sorensen, whose father, Rob Sorensen, served for 43 years with the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department. Their inaugural restaurant opened on October 10, 1994, in Jacksonville, Florida. Although franchising efforts commenced in 1995, they were temporarily suspended as the founders concentrated on expanding company-owned locations primarily within Jacksonville.
By 1998, the chain had grown beyond ten outlets and expanded outside Florida’s borders. Franchising resumed in 2000 with enhanced planning and financial support from consultants, which fueled renewed expansion starting in 2001.
In 2011, Firehouse Subs entered Puerto Rico through a local franchise partnership with Caribbean Restaurants. The brand’s footprint grew to nearly 600 restaurants by 2012 and reached a milestone of its 1,000th location by July 2016.
The company extended into Canada in 2015 with its first store opening in Oshawa, Ontario, operated by OnFire Restaurant Group. This franchise group currently oversees 50 Canadian locations and plans to add another 90 across Ontario. Additionally, Firehouse Subs introduced a customer loyalty program designed to strengthen consumer engagement.
Non-traditional venue growth included launching airport locations at Jacksonville International Airport (June 2017) and Orlando International Airport (December 2017), as well as establishing its first on-campus outlet at Western New England University in April 2018. In 2020, Firehouse Subs opened a store inside Jacksonville’s Baptist Medical Center.
On November 15, 2021, Restaurant Brands International—the parent company of Burger King—announced its acquisition of Firehouse Subs for $1 billion. The transaction was finalized on December 15, 2021.
Continuing its international expansion strategy, Firehouse Subs inaugurated its first location outside North America on June 22, 2023, opening a store in Zurich, Switzerland.
Restaurant concept and food
Inspired by the Sorensens' experience in firefighting, Firehouse Subs outlets are designed with a theme reminiscent of fire stations, featuring authentic firefighter gear and collectible items. Every one of the over 1,200 restaurants displays a distinctive, hand-painted mural produced at the company's headquarters in Jacksonville, Florida, portraying themes related to local fire and police departments.
Menu
The menu highlights hot specialty sandwiches named after firefighting terminology such as Hook & Ladder and Firehouse Hero, complemented by salads and seasonal offerings. These subs are prepared using high-quality meats and cheeses on toasted bread and served "Fully Involved" with an assortment of vegetables and condiments. Chris and Robin Sorensen, the founders, collaborate with Jay Miller, who has been the director of product development since 2017, to guide menu creation.