Firehouse Subs, a popular sandwich shop, has a unique story closely linked to firefighters. In 1994, Chris and Robin Sorensen, two brothers who were once firefighters, started Firehouse Subs.
They wanted to create a place where people could enjoy delicious food and feel connected to the fire service. Firehouse Subs is more than just a sandwich shop; it’s a place where the values and spirit of firefighters are honored and shared.
This article will provide an overview of History Of Firehouse Subs, its initial ties to firefighters, and the company’s ongoing efforts to support firefighter causes through its non-profit organization.
The History Of Firehouse Subs
Let’s know the history of Firehouse Subs how it was founded and how it flourished nationwide.
Firehouse Subs’ First Location
Firehouse Subs was founded by brothers and former firefighters Chris Sorensen and Robin Sorensen in Jacksonville, Florida in 1994. Firefighting ran in the Sorensen brothers’ family. Their father was a firefighter too.
After Chris and Robin left their own careers as firefighters, they wanted to start a business that would honor their past work in the fire service.
The Sorensen brothers got the idea for Firehouse Subs from their firefighting past. They started the restaurant to honor firefighters through its design.They named it Firehouse Subs to celebrate firefighting.
The First Firehouse Subs Shop
The first Firehouse Subs restaurant opened in Jacksonville on Riverside Avenue in August 1994. Right from the beginning, the founders focused on making really good sandwiches with top-notch meats and cheeses. The Firehouse Subs logo is cool – it has crossed axes breaking through walls and the company name in a badge-shaped banner.
Franchising continues to expand steadily
Once people in Jacksonville loved Firehouse Subs, the Sorensen brothers had a smart idea. They let others open more Firehouse Subs restaurants through franchising. This made Firehouse Subs grow fast in Florida and all over the southern United States.
So, if someone wanted to run a business, he could easily start his own Firehouse Subs restaurant and be part of the Firehouse Subs family.He just had to pay a fee and share some of the earnings. They’d give him all the plans and things you needed to run it right.
This way, Firehouse Subs could open up more shops and become a favorite in more places!
Firehouse Subs Reaches 1,000 Locations by 2015
Firehouse Subs became a big deal with 1,000 shops in 2015, mostly in the Midwest and South. People really liked their tasty subs and how Firehouse Subs supported public safety. By the end of 2016, they had even more shops – over 1,100!
And the good news doesn’t stop there! They’ve been opening more shops and selling lots of subs in recent years. Fast forward to 2022, and there are over 1,200 Firehouse Subs in 46 states, Puerto Rico, and Canada! This just goes to show that people still really enjoy Firehouse Subs.
Connection to Firefighters
Here are the steps that the firehouse has taken to build a strong connection and support the firefighters. Like the history of Firehouse Subs , its Connection to Firefighters is also very interesting.
Public Safety Foundation’s commitment
Right from the start, Firehouse Subs has been all about helping firefighters. In 2005, they created the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, a non-profit, to give money, life-saving gear, and learning opportunities to first responders in the U.S.
Here’s the cool part: When you buy something at Firehouse Subs, a portion goes to the Foundation. They’ve already given over $60 million worth of life-saving gear and support to heroes all over the country, like gear, defibrillators, and better radio systems.
Donation Cans
Did you know? When you go to Firehouse Subs, look for donation cans on the counters. If you have some extra change, just drop it in! This helps support firefighters and their communities. Every little bit makes a big difference, and thanks to everyone’s help, Firehouse Subs is really making a positive impact!
Giving Back to the Community
Firehouse Subs honors its firefighting origins by generously supporting local fire departments and police departments. In order to give back to the community, a portion of the company’s profits are donated to these organizations.
Joining Restaurant Brands International
There’s big news! Firehouse Subs joined Restaurant Brands International in November 2021 for $1 billion. This move gives them the resources and know-how to grow even more and become a top sandwich chain.
Non stop Success
With exciting plans for the future, Firehouse Subs is here to stay as a favorite for many more years. As a result of the Sorensen brothers’ vision and passion, the brand not only tastes great but also honors firefighting and community service.
FAQs
Was Firehouse Subs really founded by firemen?
Yes, Firehouse Subs was indeed founded by firemen. It was established by two firefighting brothers, Chris and Robin Sorensen, in 1994. Their background as firefighters greatly influenced the restaurant’s concept and theme, paying tribute to the heroic efforts of first responders.
What is the story behind Firehouse Subs?
Firehouse Subs is a restaurant started by two brothers in 1994. Before that, they thought about selling Christmas trees and other things. They really loved making tasty sandwiches and worked hard to make their restaurant successful.
Where did Firehouse Subs originate?
Firehouse Subs originated in Jacksonville, Florida, where the first restaurant was opened by Chris and Robin Sorensen. Since then, it has expanded significantly and now has nearly 1,100 restaurants across multiple states and even in Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Canada.
Do firefighters get free Firehouse Subs?
Firehouse Subs is connected to firefighters and first responders, but they don’t usually give free sandwiches to firefighters. Instead, they support first responders through the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. This foundation provides money for equipment, training, and helps out firefighters and other public safety groups.
