Franchise Deep Dive: Firehouse Subs Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data

LAST UPDATED: October 2023

FRANCHISE WEBSITE: https://www.firehousesubsfranchising.com/ 

NUMBER OF LOCATIONS: 1,200+

REPORTED COST TO GET IN: $200,132 - $993,297

REPORTED ROI (Item 19): $17,328 - $20,124 in average weekly sales 

Firehouse Subs is a quick service sandwich chain with over 1,200 locations around the world. The brand got its start in 1994 when former firefighter brothers Chris and Robin Sorensen banded together to create a sub sandwich shop with the best meats, cheeses and toppings they could find. Today, the brand competes in the highly saturated fast-casual sandwich market against other sandwich shop giants such as Jimmy John's and Jersey Mike's.

How Many Firehouse Subs Locations Are There?

Firehouse Subs has over 1,200 locations in 46 states, Puerto Rico, Switzerland and Canada. 

What Is the Firehouse Subs Business Model?

Firehouse Subs is a quick service sandwich chain with a traditional inline, order-at-the-counter system. The menu primarily features a variety of sub sandwiches and salads, with side, dessert and drink options available, too. Catering services are also offered, along with drive thru and delivery options at some locations. 

How Much Can Firehouse Subs Franchise Owners Make?

Traditional development franchised restaurants can expect to make an average of $17,328 in weekly sales, while freestanding franchised restaurants with a drive thru can expect to make an average of $20,124 in weekly sales. 

How Much Does It Cost to Open a Firehouse Subs?

The estimated investment necessary to begin the operation of a Firehouse Subs location is between $200,132 - $993,297.

There is also an ongoing royalty fee of 6% and franchisees should expect to spend between 3% - 5% of their sales on advertising.

The brand also requires that franchisees have a minimum of $100,000 in liquid cash to invest in order to qualify for financing and a credit score of 650 or higher.

Other likely expense estimates are indicated below: 

• Background Check Fee: Up to $500
• Initial Franchise Fee: $20,000
• Mural: $3,500 - $5,500
• Travel and Living Expenses During Training: Up to $20,000
• Opening Advertising:  $5,000 - $15,000
• Real Property Leasing (3 Months):  $7,050 - $21,966
• Real Property Improvements: Up to $18,000
• Leasehold Improvements: $136,950 - $411,870
• Deposits and Prepaid Expenses: Up to $38,836
• Signage: Up to $18,000
• Equipment and Fixtures: $21,432 - $172,925
• Opening Inventory: $5,000 - $22,000
• Business Licenses: Up to $4,000
• Insurance: Up to $8,000
• Miscellaneous Expenses for the First 3 Months: Up to $138,000
• MIS System Fee: $1,200
• Accounting and Professional Fees: Up to $2,500
• Additional Funds for the First 3 Months: Up to $75,000

What Is the Franchise Fee for Firehouse Subs?

The initial single-unit franchise fee required by Firehouse subs is $20,000. 

Who Is the Leadership of Firehouse Subs?

• Mike Hancock - President
• Don Fox - Chairman
• António Brandão Marques - Chief Brand Officer at Restaurant Brands International 
• Marcel Medawar Mota - Vice President of Development: North America

What Helpful Articles Can I Read to Learn More about Firehouse Subs?

• Firehouse Subs Starts Global Expansion With New Swiss Location
• Mesa couple opens 10th sub shop
• Firehouse Subs blazes into Anthem with new location
• Firehouse Subs Believes Brand Will Resonate ‘Across the World’
• Firehouse Subs brings sandwiches to Coppell
• Firehouse Subs CEO Don Fox steps down; COO Mike Hancock takes the reins

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