3 Reasons Why Firehouse Subs is a Winning Brand

In 1994, Chris and Robin Sorenson were second-generation firefighters trying to make ends meet. After a series of unsuccessful entrepreneurial ventures, the brothers decided to start Firehouse Subs in Jacksonville, Florida. More than 20 years later, the fast-casual franchise has opened more than 1,100 locations in 44 states, Puerto Rico, Canada and Mexico.

1851 Franchise connected with Firehouse Subs franchisees Omar Shaker from Chicago, Denny Tribout from St. Louis, and Will Page from Provo, Utah, to learn more about why the company is a leader in the fast-casual sandwich industry.

1. Firehouse Subs gives back.

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the company’s co-founders created the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation in 2005. After traveling to Mississippi to help feed first responders and survivors, they decided to start the nonprofit foundation to provide funding, equipment and educational opportunities to first responders and public safety organizations.

“When deciding whether to become a franchisee, what captured me was our Public Safety Foundation,” Shaker said. “I’m a big believer that it makes us a community cornerstone. What is better than supporting our true unsung heroes and serving the best subs in America? That is the American dream.”

As a volunteer fireman, Tribout was looking for ways to help others while also running his own business. Firehouse Subs was a perfect fit.

“The company really resonated with me because I like how it gives back to the community,” Tribout said.

So far, Firehouse Subs has donated more than $20 million in life saving equipment to public safety organizations. Page, who became a franchisee in 2011, believes giving back makes his work worthwhile.

“We aren’t just selling sandwiches,” Page said. “We are saving lives. When people come to Firehouse Subs, they get more than food. They see that we are actively involved in the community.”

2. The food is delicious.

Shaker, Tribout and Page agree that the food at Firehouse Subs keeps customers coming back for more. Serving a variety of hot and cold gourmet sub sandwiches, salads, and extras such as chili, chips and brownies, the company is committed to serving hearty and flavorful food to its fans.

“I believe our product is the best in the industry and that we have the best sub in America,” Shaker said. “The high-quality meats that we steam and pile high on toasted bread make our sandwiches absolutely delicious.”

When looking for franchising opportunities, the food at Firehouse Subs hooked Page before he decided to open his location.

“The delicious food is what attracted me,” Page said. “Because I enjoy it so much, I feel good serving it to people.”

Tribout believes the sandwiches, salads and sides are not only tasty, but also one-of-a-kind. At Firehouse Subs, meats and cheeses are steamed to unleash flavor and served on private-recipe sub rolls.

“The reason the food tastes so great is because it’s unique,” Tribout said. “That’s why people love it because they can’t get it anywhere else.”

3. The dining experience is top-notch.

From the authentic firefighting décor inside the restaurants to the extensive training programs and operating systems that prepare franchisees and employees for success, the company works to ensure its fans are happy.

“From the second a customer walks in, we give them a hearty, ‘Welcome to Firehouse,’” Shaker said. “With our heartfelt service, we always keep the customer in mind and try to give them the best experience possible.”

Committed to their customers, Shaker, Tribout and Page believe the company’s service differentiates it from competitors.

“I think it’s obvious that at Firehouse Subs, we do things differently,” Page said.