Firehouse Subs History: From Small Place To An International Brand

The name we all trust delivers happiness with its hearty and tailored sandwiches, spreading endless smiles with community involvement and commitment to quality.  But how did this big chain come to rise? What’s the background behind all of this? How this small business grew to take over the world of sandwiches and shaped it, ultimately giving rise to Firehouse Subs. Let’s take a deep dive into Firehouse Subs’ Shark Tank process to figure this out.

Firehouse Subs History — told by its founder himself

The Humble Beginning of Firehouse Subs

The era when everyone needed a fresh and healthy sub sandwich gave rise to Firehouse Subs, which was founded in 1994 in Jacksonville, Florida, by brothers Chris and Robin Sorensen. A revolutionary brand that provides quick service and high-quality food, ensuring customer satisfaction. The concept that offers fresh and flavorful sub. 

To honor Sorensen’s legacy, it was named Firehouse Subs because of his service in the fire department. The brothers’ shared background inspired the restaurant’s theme, which centers on firefighting; that’s why everything you see at Firehouse reflects this theme, from the entrance to dining, from ordering to serving. The passion that lies in everyone’s heart.

Check also: Firehouse Subs Menu with Prices

Rapid Growth And Expansion

Firehouse Subs, which originated in Jacksonville, Florida, gained attention for its commitment to taste and quality, and the rest is history. This is when perfection meets hard work. Their premium meat, pickled flavors, and provolone cheese make the audience crazy for their sub. It was expanding day by day, and it didn’t stop there. It extends beyond Florida and spans the globe.

In 2004, they started franchising, a bold step that marked a remarkable turning point in Firehouse Subs’ history. By 2005, the company was operating in multiple states, and this franchise model system is a motivational story for many aspiring business owners. The strong identity, built on trust and loyalty, has led the Brand to its current legacy status, where Firehouse Subs stands today.

Critical Events in Firehouse Subs History

The events that shaped Firehouse Subs and turn into the strong Brand that it is today,

The Launch Of The Public Safety Foundation

Safety matters the most; taking care of others is an act of kindness. That is why this company established the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. It’s a non-profit organization that provides life-saving equipment, training, and resources to fire departments, police departments, and other emergency service departments.

The Brand was not just feeding millions with their subs, but they are also saving millions to have their family by their side when they come to Firehouse Subs. This helps to build the brand identity and serve others by donating millions of dollars for public safety across the United States.

Read also: Build Your Own Sub At Firehouse Subs

Domestic Expansion and Recognition (2010-2020)

Growing is what truly defines what Brand is capable of. By 2010, Firehouse Subs had expanded to approximately 500 locations nationwide; however, By 2020, the number of locations had exceeded 1,100, demonstrating a commitment to the community to raise their hand and spread happiness everywhere.

The award is the certification that affirms a brand’s success. In 2019, Firehouse Subs was ranked as the No.1 sandwich chain in the nation by the National Restaurant Association, based on customer feedback, demonstrating how the Brand has built a special place in people’s hearts.

Accession By Restaurant Brands International (2021)

Expansion needs binding of brands. In 2021, Restaurant Brand International (RBI), the parent company of Tim Hortons, Popeyes, and Burger King, acquired Firehouse Subs. This acquisition enabled Firehouse Subs to strengthen its branding globally and expand internationally.

Regardless of the owner’s changes, Firehouse Subs did their best to remain as good as before and continue to focus on quality and their commitment to the community. Expanding globally and continuing to open new landmarks across the world adds up to a massive achievement in Firehouse Subs’ history.

Critical Events in Firehouse Subs History
Infographic showing major events of Firehouse Subs History

Check also: Firehouse Subs Fully Involved

Firehouse Subs Menu Evolution

Trends change over time, which is why Firehouse Subs continually evolves its menu according to customer preferences and needs. Hearty sandwiches, flavorful subs, sides, salads, desserts, and drinks, along with a variety of emerging tastes, put the Brand’s core mission of delivering the best and premium meat at its best. 

Signature Hot Subs

It’s ideal for next-level appetite, thanks to its generous portion and rich ingredients, which make this sub the best. Signature options include Hook & Ladder, Firehouse Meatball, and Hook & Cheese.

Cold Subs

Crispness is what everyone wants in their sub; Cold Subs, like Italian and Turkey Bacon Ranch, give the boldness and crunchiness that everyone desires. Firehouse Subs History of Hot Subs has new competition of its own for Cold Subs.

Kid’s Menu

We also take care of the younger group, providing them with a theme to follow. The theme of firefighting amuses them, and the warm, welcoming environment makes kids’ souls feel at home. Younger Appetites and smaller-sized subs are what kids want, so we designed a special kids’ menu to cater to them.  

Sides And Soup

The combination is necessary to present a fine dish on the table, which enhances the taste and gives you a bold sense of having The Best Sub Ever. Five Mac & Cheese and Potato Loaded Soup got you in that moment.

Read also: Does Firehouse Subs Take Apple Pay?

FAQs- Frequently Asked Questions


Two brothers, Chris and Robin Sorensen, working in the fire department, need to open a simple sub restaurant that spreads happiness and taste. Desire and passion led them to open Firehouse Subs (named to honor the Sorensen’s legacy), and the rest is history.

It was founded in 1994 in Jacksonville, Florida, by brothers Chris and Robin Sorensen.

Their Commitment towards the community in terms of public safety departments. Commitment to quality and taste. Providing fresh vegetables and premium meats, a variety of menus, including cold subs. The list will go on, and it never ends.

It has more than 1,100 locations across the United States and worldwide.

Their acquisition by Restaurant Brands International (RBI) in 2021 and their expansion into international markets. The RBI owns it.

Brands donate millions of dollars to firehouse departments, police departments, and other emergency departments to save the lives of millions. Providing them with safety equipment, training, and resources as well.

Mike Hancock has been the current CEO of Firehouse Subs since March 2023 and remains in this position.

Yes, it is, and it was awarded as the 1st Sandwich Chain in the nation in 2019 by the National Restaurant Association. Firehouse Subs History says it all.

Conclusion

From its humble beginnings to the present day, Firehouse Subs has evolved from a small local brand to a large global presence, expanding its reach in every corner of the world. Yes, that’s Firehouse Subs. Excellence, taste, boldness, flavor, and quality are what you want in a brand. Firehouse Subs has it. A beautiful combination of tailored sandwiches and saving lives helped them become a big brand identity. The backing and support of RBI build this Brand much stronger and will shine forever. Actions speak for themselves, and Firehouse Subs’ History is enormous to live with. They create an impact in the world of sandwiches and leave the legacy of how an entrepreneurial mindset works.

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