1851

<p>After just one sub, <a href="https://www.firehousesubs.com/find-out-our-story/news/firehouse-subs-franchisee-ken-jones-participates-in-thank-you-parade-for-healthcare-workers/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=why-i-bought-my-franchise-ken-jones-firehouse-subs-2715535#sthash.Rmg6MFK8.dpbs" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><u>Ken Jones</u></a> was hooked on <a href="https://www.firehousesubs.com/own-a-franchise/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=why-i-bought-my-franchise-ken-jones-firehouse-subs-2715535" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><u>Firehouse Subs</u></a>.&nbsp;</p><p>Tired of driving back and forth to Greensboro, North Carolina for his favorite food, Jones decided it was time to bring Firehouse Subs to his hometown of Danville, Virginia. And, as a career firefighter and captain himself, Jones found his values aligned with the sandwich brand founded by fellow firefighters. Jones opened his Firehouse Subs in March of 2018 with his son KJ. Together, the two give back to <a href="https://firehousesubsfoundation.org/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=why-i-bought-my-franchise-ken-jones-firehouse-subs-2715535" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><u>Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation</u></a> and have hosted various events to make a positive impact in their community.</p><p>1851 spoke with Jones to hear more about his journey into entrepreneurship with Firehouse Subs, and ultimately what made him decide to buy.</p><h4>1851 Franchise: Tell us a bit about your background.</h4><p><strong>Ken Jones</strong>: I’ve been with the Danville Fire Department for 31 years now, and I’ve since been promoted to captain. The schedule that we work is on 14-hour shifts, 10 days a month. That’s given me a lot of time to explore other things. I opened a gym and I’ve been training NFL players in Danville.</p><p>I’d never been to a Firehouse, but we stopped in one to get something to eat when we were training in Norfolk Southern. I got the hero sub and from that point I was absolutely hooked. From then on, I would get on my Harley and drive all the way to Greensboro just for a sandwich. I came back to Danville and said we need a Firehouse Subs here. I got tired of driving to get subs, so I opened my own store.</p><h4>1851: How did you get interested in franchising?</h4><p><strong>Jones</strong>: I was really attracted to it after getting to know the owners. It’s not just a business to them, it’s more like they want you to be a part of the family. That’s what firefighting is like. And because the owners, Chris and Robin, are firefighters themselves, they make sure to carry that familial culture throughout the brand. They want you to believe you can do this, and if you can’t, they’re going to let you know. After going to discovery day and talking with them, I knew I wanted to be a part of this franchise.&nbsp;</p><h4>1851: Why was this brand a better fit than other brands in the segment?&nbsp;</h4><p><strong>Jones</strong>: Once you look at different brands and startup fees and things like that, Firehouse was the easiest to walk into. I knew this would be something I could embrace. It’s a strong brand, and it wants to give back to the community. We’ve given 93,000 meals to first responders since the start of the pandemic.&nbsp;</p><p>We want to make sure we take care of everyone, one of the first things I initiated was giving free drinks to any first responders. It’s a nice way to honor them.</p><h4>1851: Describe the moment you knew you wanted to buy the franchise. What made you buy?</h4><p><strong>Jones</strong>: The first time I walked into the place and had my first hero sub. That sub changed everything for me.&nbsp;</p><h4>1851: Walk us through your journey as a franchisee candidate with the brand. What happened between your first inquiry and opening your first location?</h4><p><strong>Jones</strong>: I went on the website, sent an email and connected with corporate pretty quickly. The first initial conversation was like an interview. I explained my passion for the product and the service. In my line of work, customer service is one of the most important things. They want to make sure you’re a good fit. They don’t push franchises on people, they don’t want people to get into something they’re not ready for. Now looking back on it, I'm so glad I had that kind of support. They even chose the location. In Danville, I had two location strip malls that were looking for restaurants. They find the best location for you. You actually have the help of Firehouse behind you guiding you through the process. So, that became an easy part of it.&nbsp;</p><p>Mike, my area representative (AR), came down and looked and did the studies and knew the traffic flow would be great for the location. They really made that part easy and productive for me. If you’re small and haven’t run a business, make sure that the franchise has every part of the real estate process in the structure.&nbsp;</p><h4>1851: Did you do a discovery day? How did that go?</h4><p><strong>Jones</strong>: My first day of discovery, I immediately clicked with my AR. I think that was important. They bring you into the restaurant and let you know what they’re going to expect from you.&nbsp;</p><h4>1851: What advice would you give to a franchisor who is hoping to get more franchisees to sign on?</h4><p><strong>Jones</strong>: I’m really big on open communication. Make sure you have that communication with the AR and know what’s going on in the community. My AR is continuing to make sure that information is given to me to pay attention to what’s developing in your area, and that’s something I’ve really appreciated.</p>

Why I Bought My Franchise: Ken Jones, Firehouse Subs

1851 Franchise

Jones was tired of driving towns away just for his favorite sandwich from Firehouse. So, he decided to open his own location.

why-i-bought-my-franchise-ken-jones-firehouse-subs

Mainland

Mainland Secures Nearly $10 Million in Media Value for Franchise Clients in Early 2025

mainland-secures-nearly-10-million-in-media-value-for-franchise-clients-in-early-2025

Mathnasium

How These Arizona Mathnasium Learning Centers Franchisees Expanded to 10 Locations 

how-these-arizona-mathnasium-learning-centers-franchisees-expanded-to-10-locations

BoConcept

BoConcept - Home Furnishing Franchise Agg - Santiago Sideboard - 1851 Franchise

Home Furnishings Business: BoConcept Introduces Santiago Sideboard by Morten Georgsen

home-furnishings-business-boconcept-introduces-santiago-sideboard-by-morten-georgsen

BooXkeeping

BooXkeeping Franchise Expands to Seminole County, Florida, with New Franchisee Ross Duhaime

booxkeeping-franchise-expands-to-seminole-county-florida-with-new-franchisee-ross-duhaime

Sylvan Learning

How Sylvan Learning Positions Franchisees for Institutional Partnership Success

how-sylvan-learning-positions-franchisees-for-institutional-partnership-success

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

Login

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Hooters - Bankruptcy Chapter 11 - 1851 Franchise

Hooters Prepares for Bankruptcy Amid Financial Struggles

hooters-prepares-for-bankruptcy-amid-financial-struggles

Burger King’s Parent Company Restructures Operations in China and the U.S. To Drive Growth

burger-kings-parent-company-restructures-operations-in-china-and-the-us-to-drive-growth

Papa Johns Faces Potential Takeover as Turnaround Efforts Continue

papa-johns-faces-potential-takeover-as-turnaround-efforts-continue

1851 Agg - McDonald's Sales Decline Expansion Continues - 1851 Franchise

McDonald’s Franchisees Feel the Pressure as Sales Decline and Expansion Continues

mcdonalds-franchisees-feel-the-pressure-as-sales-decline-and-expansion-continues

Restaurant Industry Set to Hit $1.5 Trillion in Sales in 2025 Despite Economic Pressures

restaurant-industry-set-to-hit-15-trillion-in-sales-in-2025-despite-economic-pressures

Franchisee spotlight featuring Ian and Dick Rydholm with gradient blue background and Sylvan logo

Ian and Dick Rydholm Celebrate 30 Years of Transforming Lives Through Sylvan Learning in El Paso, Texas

ian-and-dick-rydholm-celebrate-30-years-of-transforming-lives-through-sylvan

Florida Franchisee Reflects on Success and Growth with Sylvan Learning

florida-franchisee-reflects-on-success-and-growth-with-sylvan-learning

Domonique Downing - Big Frog Franchise - Fayetteville, GA - 1851 Franchise

Coca-Cola Scientist Finds Path to Autonomy with Big Frog Franchise in Fayetteville, Georgia

big-frog-franchise-fayetteville-georgia

Military Veteran and Craft Beer Enthusiast to Bring Voodoo Brewing Co. to Toledo, Ohio

military-veteran-and-craft-beer-enthusiast-to-bring-voodoo-brewing-co-to-toledo-ohio

Paris Baguette Ranks Among Top Franchises on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Paris Baguette Ranks Among Top Franchises on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for 2025

paris-baguette-ranks-among-top-franchises-on-entrepreneurs-franchise-500-for-2025

DOJ FTC Antitrust Guidelines - Franchise News - 1851 Franchise

DOJ and FTC Issue New Antitrust Guidelines with Implications for Franchising

doj-and-ftc-issue-new-antitrust-guidelines-with-implications-for-franchising

Why I Bought My Franchise: Ken Jones, Firehouse Subs

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS