Firehouse Subs logo

Firehouse Subs

Subs

Investment

$379,650

Initial Franchise Fee

$20,000

Units

1,414

Growth Rate

+16.2%

Overview About Investment Territories Support Operations Ranking History

Overview

Industry Food
Founded 1994
Franchising Since 1995
Parent Company Restaurant Brands Int'l.
Leadership Mike Hancock, President
# of Employees at HQ 170

Units and Growth Chart

About Firehouse Subs

For over 25 years, Firehouse Subs has striven to combine the love of food and doing good for the community. A portion of all Firehouse Subs sales goes to the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. With over 1,000 U.S. franchises, Firehouse Subs is an identifiable brand, and each restaurant is decorated with authentic firefighter equipment. Its food may be just as memorable as the decor. They unlock their meats and cheeses' flavors by steaming them and loading them high on a toasted, secret-recipe sub roll. 

As a franchisee, you'll be part of a franchise that helps you grow as an established brand. In return, they ask that you strive for excellence, devote yourself to the business, think of your community, motivate yourself and your team, and love to eat tasty subs.

Why You May Want to Start a Firehouse Subs Franchise

Firehouse Subs is a turnkey franchise that allows you to franchise multiple units in your local market. Besides the potential growth, its community service effort may be a reward in itself. When you start a Firehouse Subs franchise, you will be part of a franchise that has raised a large amount of money to improve the life-saving capabilities of first responders.

With a commitment to flavorful food, quality service, and public safety, Firehouse Subs is a sandwich shop inspired by a family's entrepreneurial spirit and decades of fire and police service.

Once you've established your location, you will likely receive ongoing support from your area representative and Firehouse Subs’ advertising team. Together, they will work to help you create one of the best marketing campaigns for your area. You will also likely have opportunities to network with other franchisees in your local market.

What Might Make a Firehouse Subs Franchise a Good Choice?

Many times in the past two decades, Firehouse Subs has been ranked in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500. This ranking is based on an evaluation of more than 150 data points in the areas of costs and fees, size and growth, franchisee support, brand strength, and financial strength and stability.

To be part of the Firehouse Subs team, you should make sure you’re financially ready for an initial investment made up of a franchise fee and other startup costs. You should also prepare yourself for ongoing fees, including advertising, royalty, and potential renewal fees. Franchisees will also need to meet the company's set net worth and liquid capital requirements.

How to Open a Firehouse Subs Franchise

To get started with the process of opening a Firehouse Subs franchise, fill out an inquiry form, and a representative may be in touch with you. 

After speaking with a Firehouse Subs franchise representative and filling out a confidential online application, you can download the Firehouse Subs’ Franchise Disclosure Document. Your application is sent to an area representative for review. Should they approve your application, that area representative may serve as your representative for the remainder of your tenure with the brand.

For the training, candidates must attend a discovery session at company headquarters in Jacksonville, Florida. The franchise will conduct a credit and background check, and if everything looks good, they will issue you a franchise agreement. Your area representative will work with you to find the perfect location for your shop. 

The next thing you know, you'll be serving subs to your local community.

Investment Details

Initial Franchise Fee $20,000
Initial Investment $379,650 - $1,396,100
Net Worth Requirement $350,000
Cash Requirement $150,000
Royalty Fee 6%
Ad Royalty Fee 5%
Technology Fee $150+/mo.
Term of Agreement 10 years
Is Franchise Term Renewable? Yes
Financing Third Party
Veterans Incentive $100,000 cash contribution per restaurant for first three restaurants; $50,000 per restaurant for all additional restaurants

Available Territories

Franchising opportunities available in the following regions

International

Training & Support Programs

Comprehensive training and ongoing support to help you succeed

Training

On the Job Training 240 hours
Classroom Training 32 hours

Ongoing Support

Newsletter
Meetings & Conventions
Toll-Free Line
Grand Opening
Security & Safety Procedures
Field Operations
Site Selection
Proprietary Software
Franchisee Intranet Platform

Marketing Support

Co-op Advertising
Ad Templates
National Media
Regional Advertising
Social Media
SEO
Website Development
Email Marketing
Loyalty Program/App

Operations & Requirements

Key operational details and requirements for running this franchise

Is absentee ownership allowed? No
Can this franchise be run from home/mobile unit? No
Can this franchise be run part time? No
# of employees required to run 15-20
Are exclusive territories available? Yes

Ranking History

Firehouse Subs performance in the Franchise rankings over recent years

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Disclaimer
The information on this page is not intended as an endorsement or recommendation of any particular franchise or business opportunity by Entrepreneur Media. Our listings and rankings are solely research tools you can use to compare opportunities. Entrepreneur stresses that you should always conduct your own independent investigation before investing in a franchise or business opportunity. That should include reviewing the company's legal documents, consulting with an attorney and an accountant, and talking to former and current franchisees/licensees/dealers.
Updated: December 12th, 2022