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- Founded in 1994
- Franchising Since 1995
- 1170 US Franchises
- $343,245 - $976,700 Investment Range
- $962,955 Average Gross Revenue
- 6% Royalty Fee
- $20,000 Franchise Fee
Use the Pre-qualification tool to see how much funding you could qualify for and see if you can affor a Firehouse Subs franchise.
Get pre-qualified for financingTake our Fit Score survey to see if Firehouse Subs is a good match for you.
Firehouse Subs stands out in the competitive sandwich industry with its unique commitment to both quality food and community service. Founded in 1994 by former firefighter brothers Chris and Robin Sorensen, this fast-casual restaurant chain has built its reputation on hearty, oversized portions and premium ingredients that set it apart from traditional sub shops.
The brand is famous for its signature steamed meats and cheeses, which create a melt-in-your-mouth experience that customers consistently praise. Their hot specialty subs are served on toasted private-recipe sub rolls with a selection of fresh vegetables and premium toppings. A standout feature is their legendary hot sauce bar, offering customers a variety of heat levels to customize their meals.
What truly distinguishes Firehouse Subs is its deep-rooted connection to the firefighting community. Through the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, the company has maintained its commitment to public safety by providing lifesaving equipment to first responders. This mission-driven approach resonates with franchisees and customers alike, creating a business model that combines profitable operations with meaningful community impact.
Franchisees benefit from a proven operational system, comprehensive training programs, and strong brand recognition. The restaurant's themed décor, featuring authentic firefighting memorabilia and custom murals, creates a unique dining atmosphere that tells a story while serving up exceptional food. With a culture focused on customer service excellence and community involvement, Firehouse Subs continues to grow its presence while maintaining the high standards that have made it a respected name in the restaurant industry.
How much does it cost to start a franchise with Firehouse Subs?
- Franchise Fee
- $20,000
- Investment Range
- $343,245 - $976,700
- Investment Midpoint
- $659,973
- Minimum Cash Required
- $343,245
- Royalty Fees
- 6%
- Brand Fund
- 5%
The franchise demonstrates strong system maturity with 30 years of operational history since 1994 and 1,209 units nationwide, reflecting substantial brand recognition and proven scalability. This extensive footprint suggests robust franchisor infrastructure and operational support systems critical for new franchisee success.
Firehouse Subs' reported gross revenue of $962,955 substantially exceeds the sub-sector average of $608,302, indicating strong brand performance within the competitive sandwich market. The quick-service restaurant sector benefits from consistent consumer demand and relatively recession-resistant characteristics.
Ideal investors should possess liquid capital exceeding $350,000 and restaurant or retail management experience. The counter-service model requires operational expertise in food safety, inventory management, and staff training. Multi-unit development opportunities exist for qualified investors seeking portfolio expansion.
Key considerations include high-traffic location requirements, labor management challenges, and food cost volatility. The established brand recognition and proven business model offset competitive pressures from national chains. Prospective franchisees should thoroughly review the FDD and conduct comprehensive due diligence before investment commitment.
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See the Revenue Potential!
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Financing Details
Franzy connects you with top-tier financing partners to help secure the funds to invest in a franchise like Firehouse Subs. Whether you're looking for a loan or exploring other financial products, our partners provide expert guidance to ensure you obtain the necessary capital. They specialize in offering solutions tailored to the needs of franchisees, making the process of securing financing smooth and straightforward.
Why Financing with Franzy Partners?
Choosing to finance through Franzy's partners ensures you get the best terms and support for your franchise investment. Our partners have extensive experience in the franchising industry and offer specialized financial solutions tailored to your needs. With competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options, you can find the right financing plan that fits your budget and goals. Our partners are committed to providing personalized guidance throughout the financing process, making it easier for you to secure the necessary funds and confidently move forward with your franchise venture.
Finance Partners
The franchise's moderate customer satisfaction ratings across locations, combined with sustained growth in key markets, suggests that location selection and operational execution are critical success factors. Successful Firehouse Subs locations typically thrive in areas with:
- Dense daytime population (business districts, medical centers) - Strong lunch traffic patterns - Middle-income suburban communities - High-visibility retail corridors - Proximity to complementary businesses
Significant expansion opportunities exist in several states currently not served, particularly in the Midwest and Western regions. The franchise's proven success in diverse markets from Florida to Texas demonstrates adaptability to different regional preferences and competitive landscapes. For prospective franchisees, ideal locations should prioritize areas with strong lunch crowds, accessible parking, and demographics aligned with the brand's value-oriented, quality-focused positioning.
Access the detailed territory map to find prime locations and see where this franchise operates. This information is vital for understanding your market potential and exclusivity rights.
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Track Growth to Gauge Success!
See how this franchise is expanding over time. The net unit growth reveals the health and popularity of the brand—key indicators for a promising investment.
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Executive Team
Get to know the leadership behind Firehouse Subs. Learn about the experience and expertise of the executive team guiding Firehouse Subs's success. For more details, refer to Item 2 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
Litigation
Review any legal actions or pending litigation involving Firehouse Subs. Understanding the legal history helps assess potential risks and the brand's business practices. For more details, refer to Item 3 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
Bankruptcy
Review Firehouse Subs's bankruptcy history and any filings by key personnel or affiliates. This critical information provides transparency about the brand's financial stability and management. For more details, refer to Item 4 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
Franchisor Assistance
Learn about Firehouse Subs's comprehensive support system for franchisees, including initial training programs and continuous operational assistance. Understanding the available resources and support structure is crucial for franchise success. For more details, refer to Item 11 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
The information provided on this page is based on the latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) that is publicly available and that we have on record, which was issued in 2024. This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal, financial, or business advice. We make no guarantees or claims regarding the completeness or accuracy. For the most current and detailed information, we recommend consulting the franchisor directly for the most recent FDD and regarding any questions that you may have about the information provided.
- Founded in 1994
- Franchising Since 1995
- 1170 US Franchises
- $343,245 - $976,700 Investment Range
- $962,955 Average Gross Revenue
- 6% Royalty Fee
- $20,000 Franchise Fee
Use the Pre-qualification tool to see how much funding you could qualify for and see if you can affor a Firehouse Subs franchise.
Get pre-qualified for financingTake our Fit Score survey to see if Firehouse Subs is a good match for you.
