Firehouse Subs vs Subway: Which One is Better for Taste, Price & Quality?
Have you ever found yourself debating Firehouse Subs vs Subway when craving a delicious sandwich? Both brands have huge, loyal fan bases, but they offer distinct experiences. Subway is famous for its customizable options, freshness, and variety of ingredients. The restaurant offers subs at affordable prices, which you can enjoy without breaking the bank.
On the other hand, Firehouse Subs is known for its hearty, hot sandwiches made with premium-quality meats and signature sauces. In this article, we’ll compare both brands’ menus, affordability, quality, and ingredients to help you decide which one is the best choice. Let’s dive in!
Firehouse Subs History
Firehouse Subs was founded in October 1994 in Jacksonville, Florida, by two brothers, Chris Sorensen and Robin Sorensen. The founders named the restaurant “Firehouse Subs” to honor their firefighting background, reflect community service values, and create a strong, firefighter-themed brand identity. The restaurant had a slow start, with only two sales on the first day, but the hard work and consistency of the Sorensen brothers led to nearly $347,000 in sales by the end of the first year.
After the great success in Jacksonville, the Sorensen brothers aimed to open multiple locations across Florida. In 2005, the founders of Firehouse Subs launched a non-profit organization named ” Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation.” This organization was created during Hurricane Katrina and donated lifesaving equipment, training, and $80 million at that time.
In 2011, the company opened its first international franchise in Puerto Rico. By 2016, the company had completed its milestone of 1,000 locations. After that, the famous restaurant holding company RBI (Restaurant Brands International) acquired Firehouse Subs for $1 billion in 2021. Under the leadership of RBI, Firehouse expanded its operations globally. The company entered the European market by opening its first franchise in Zurich, Switzerland—proving that the sky’s the limit!
Check also: Firehouse Subs Drink Menu
Subway History
Subway was founded by Dr. Peter Buck and Fred DeLuca in 1965. The restaurant’s story began when 17-year-old Fred DeLuca needed money for his education. Dr. Peter Buck gives Fred a loan of $1000 to open a new sandwich business. Pete’s Super Submarines is famous for serving fresh, made-to-order sandwiches.
The restaurant was rebranded its name as Subway in 1968. The company started its franchise program in 1974 and experienced noticeable growth. The first Subway franchise was opened in Wallingford, Connecticut. The decision to franchise the program expanded its network rapidly. It made the company one of the largest fast-food brands in the world.
In 2023, Subway was acquired by Roark; the Roark company also owned Arby’s, Dunkin’, and Baskin-Robbins. Under Roark’s leadership, Subways opened 37,000 locations in 100+ countries—proving they are on the fast track to success!
Read also: Firehouse Subs Puerto Rico
Firehouse Subs vs Subway: Menu Comparison
Firehouse Subs Menu
Firehouse Subs menu is famous for its hot, hearty sandwiches made with premium quality meat and signature sauces. Firehouse Subs offers limited customization options, such as options for dip sauces and skipping or adding ingredients as your preferences. The restaurant has an extensive subs menu; some of the famous subs are listed below:
- Zesty Garlic Hook & Ladder
- Smokehouse Beef & Cheddar Brisket
- Firehouse Hero
Subway Menu
Subway is popular for its build-your-own sub concept; the restaurant allows you to choose ingredients, bread type, and dip sauces for your sub. The restaurant offers hot and cold subs. Some of the famous subs are listed below:
- Italian B.M.T.
- Turkey Breast
- Meatball Marinara
Price Comparison between Firehouse & Subway
When comparing Firehouse Subs vs Subway, pricing is a major factor. The Firehouse Subs focuses on providing subs with premium quality meat and ingredients. The portion size of the meals is larger than that of Subway. You can also get a combo meal with your sub by paying an extra $2–$4. The portion size and quality of food justify the price. The general cost of Firehouse Subs is listed below:
- Small sub: $5.99 – $7.99
- Medium sub: $8.99 – $10.99
- Large sub: $11.99 – $14.99
On the other hand, Subway is known for its budget-friendly meals and unlimited customization. You can customize your sandwich bread, proteins, toppings, and sauces without extra charge. Subway becomes an attraction point for people who look for delightful meals within a budget. We listed some Sub prices below:
- 6-inch Sub: $4.99 – $6.99
- Footlong Sub: $7.99 – $11.99
- Signature Series Footlongs: $9.99 – $14.99
Ingredient and Quality Comparison between Subway & Firehouse
Firehouse Subs uses a farm-to-table approach to maintain the freshness of vegetables, meat, and other ingredients. All ingredients go through a quality check before being used in the kitchen. The restaurant uses thick-cut quality meat, which enhances your meal experience. The brand also uses flavorful sauces and toppings, adding a richer touch to their sandwiches. The bread used by Firehouse is also premium in quality, prepared with fresh ingredients.
On the other hand, Subway allows you to customize your sandwich entirely with fresh vegetables, cheese, sauces, and meat. When it comes to Firehouse vs Subway, some of Subway’s ingredients, like deli meats and pre-sliced vegetables, are not as high in quality as Firehouse’s. The brand’s bread quality is not comparable with that of other competitors; the restaurant offers multiple bread types such as Italian, Whole Wheat, Artisan Flatbread, and Multigrain restaurant bread daily to maintain the quality. The brand is improving its quality to compete with other sandwich chains.
Firehouse Subs and Subway Reviews
Firehouse Review
The restaurant has a vast menu, including hot and cold subs; the taste of each sub provides a blast of flavors in the mouth. We visited multiple brand locations, and the restaurant’s environment was welcoming and neat. The staff was well-trained and helpful. The quality of ingredients used in meals is worthy of praise. The price is a bit high compared to other sandwich chains, but the taste, quality, and portion size justify the price.
Subway Review
Subway restaurant is known for its customization options and low-calorie meals; the brand has 37,000 locations all over the world. The brand did not compromise on the quality of the ingredients. The restaurant has an elegant and clean environment, and the staff was well-trained, helping customers make a good meal. The sandwich bread was fresh and tasted good, and the service was quick. Subway provides delightful sandwiches at affordable prices, and the quality and quantity are also good. All in all, it’s a great place to grab a bite without breaking the bank!
FAQs- Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
When comparing Firehouse Subs vs Subway, the right choice depends on your preferences. Firehouse Subs provides large portions of meals with premium and bold flavors. The quality of Firehouse’s subs justifies the cost. On the other hand, Subway is the right choice for those who want to customize their meal. The brand provides hearty subs at an affordable price—at the end of the day, it all comes down to a matter of taste!