While Some Sandwich Concepts Falter, Firehouse Subs Flourishes

Over the past several years, some fast casual brands have seen explosive growth while others have faltered. In fact, one of the most well-known sandwich franchises has lost nearly 90% of their units over the last decade while others continue to decline. However, while some concepts have fallen on hard times, Firehouse Subs is just hitting its stride, eclipsing the 1,000-unit mark last year, which is something that fewer than 40 quick service brands have ever achieved.

“We’ve been in business since 1994 and while we’ve evolved and changed over the years, Firehouse Subs is still the same brand focused on serving only the best meats and cheeses piled high on our toasted sub roll while giving back to first responders in the communities in which we operate,” said Greg Delks, Firehouse Subs’ vice president of global and non-traditional franchise development. “We’re not a one-hit-wonder brand. Firehouse Subs is a proven business model that has grown steadily and with defined purpose by partnering with the best franchisees and area developers in markets that make the most strategic development sense.”

A lot of the franchise sandwich industry can’t say the same. Over-inflated expectations, exaggerated financial performance and unfulfilled promises during the sales process have led to underperforming units and strained franchisee-franchisor relationships. But with Firehouse Subs, there’s no mystery behind the curtain – what you see is what you get. It’s a nearly 25-year-old brand that fosters incredible customer loyalty because of its unbeatable first responders’ brand culture and amazing food. Plus, compelling average unit volumes, approachable initial build-out costs, territory availability in new and existing markets, and a passionate executive team dedicated to providing best-in-class franchisee training and support make Firehouse Subs stand out against the competition.

“To win the ongoing battle for customer loyalty, Firehouse Subs remains focused on providing customers exactly what they are looking for – bold flavors, fresh ingredients, a commitment to excellence and the knowledge that every sub they order saves lives through our Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation,” added Delks. “It’s these simple tenants of our business model, that when delivered upon by our incredible franchisees, continue to drive our restaurants forward. Though other brands continue to rise up and try to steal market share, we know that if we stay true to our core mission – nobody can ever beat Firehouse Subs.”

To learn even more about franchising with Firehouse Subs, please click here.