The 5 Most Frequently Asked Questions by Prospective Firehouse Subs® Franchisees

When signing on as a new franchise partner – even with an established brand such as Firehouse Subs – it’s important to do your proper due diligence and ask the right questions about buying a franchise. Thankfully for prospective Firehouse Subs franchisees, Director of Franchise Development Brent Greenwood and Vice President of Franchise Development Greg Delks are well-versed in the kind of in-depth knowledge that franchise candidates seek about owning a Firehouse Subs franchise – and they are always ready to share their insights. Below are five of the most frequently asked questions by prospective Firehouse Subs franchisees.

1 - What is the investment needed to open a Firehouse Subs?

With a strong brand identity, excellent franchise relationships, and a passionate executive leadership team, buying a franchise with Firehouse is a sound investment opportunity. Firehouse Subs also boasts an affordable average initial investment of approximately $350,000 for a single restaurant, depending on the real estate selected.

2 - How did Firehouse Subs get started and where is it going?

Growing up in a family that was both entrepreneurial and built upon decades of firefighting and police service, it seems our founders, brothers and former firefighters, Robin Sorensen and Chris Sorensen were destined to open Firehouse Subs. Sure, there were some bumps along the way, but one thing that has remained constant over our more than 25-year history is our insistence on building meaningful relationships based on our mission statement: to carry on our commitment to and passion for hearty and flavorful food, heartfelt service and public safety. 

“If there is one thing that the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us, it is that in order to operate as a successful franchisee you must have a passion and determination for what you do,” said Greenwood. “We’re also fortunate to serve an absolutely great product while possessing strong operations, a core customer base, resilient leadership and a willingness to serve. In fact, because of the resiliency of our franchisees and the strength of our brand, we expect our strong sales numbers to continue into the foreseeable future.”

3 - How do I stay competitive? What makes Firehouse Subs different?

Firehouse Subs is a leading fast casual sandwich franchise for a reason.

“Nobody can compete with our product offering and our commitment to the communities in which we operate,” said Delks. “Our investment in technology, menu innovation, restaurant design and our continual push to build out our delivery and Rapid Rescue To Go^® online ordering platform position our franchisees for success. Furthermore, our commitment to the community extends beyond the four walls of every restaurant. The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation^® has granted more than $51 million in funding for life-saving equipment and educational opportunities to first responders and public safety organizations in the communities where local restaurants are located.”

4 - What kind of training and support can I expect as a Firehouse Subs franchisee?

At Firehouse Subs, you’re not going into it by yourself. All franchise partners now complete weeks of virtual restaurant training while we continue to navigate the global pandemic in lieu of traveling to the brand’s headquarters in Jacksonville, Fla. Franchise business advisors continue to provide support in both streamlining operations and maximizing restaurant profitability, while data driven recording tracks key performance metrics throughout the system to identify opportunities for amplified growth. Firehouse Subs also provides best-in-class real estate, construction, marketing and a full-suite of services as franchisees continue to scale their business.

5 - What are the keys to success after buying a franchise with Firehouse Subs?

“Firehouse Subs attracts a high caliber franchisee and they always want to know, ‘How do I become the best Firehouse Subs owner?” said Greenwood. “What new franchisees always learn is that Firehouse Subs has a great system for knowledge sharing and best practices, which is ultimately why someone would choose the Firehouse Subs system in the first place – to be in business for themselves but not by themselves.”