Firehouse Subs Overview
Pro stress-test →Firehouse Subs is an American fast casual restaurant chain founded in 1994 in Jacksonville, Florida by former firefighter brothers Chris and Robin Sorensen that specializes in submarine sandwiches. It is a subsidiary of Restaurant Brands International, which also owns Burger King, Popeyes, and Tim Hortons. The brand operates over 1,345 locations open with hundreds more in the works.
Strategic Profile
Pro stress-test →The brand achieved the strongest net restaurant expansion year in more than a decade in 2025. In March 2026, Firehouse Subs launched development incentive programs offering up to $150,000 per restaurant for qualified franchisees, with parent company RBI projecting 150-200 net new units annually by 2028 in the US and Canada—representing approximately half of all RBI's net new units in the region. Based on recent Technomic Insight consumer data, Firehouse Subs was named the No. 1 brand in the restaurant industry that "Supports Local Community Activities" for the fourth consecutive year.
Competitive Landscape
Pro stress-test →Firehouse Subs competes with Jimmy John's Franchise, Charley's Philly Steaks, Little Caesars, Garbanzo Fresh Mediterranean, and Uncle Maddio's Pizza among 68 identified competitors. The brand differentiates through its firefighter heritage, distinctive themed restaurant design, and community-focused positioning anchored by the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. As a rapidly expanding RBI subsidiary with significant capital backing, Firehouse Subs competes directly with established submarine sandwich chains and premium QSR concepts for franchise development capital and customer wallet share.
Industry Context
Firehouse Subs operates in Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) - Submarine Sandwiches.
Key facts
Founded: 1994 · Headquarters: Jacksonville, US