Back in 1994, in the land of Jacksonville, Florida, a restaurant was born out of the vision of two firemen. Today, Firehouse Subs Restaurant can be found in 41 states and even in Puerto Rico, and it has become well known for “hot subs” – sandwiches with the best selection of meats, cheeses, and toppings that you can find.
With more than 750 restaurants to date, Firehouse Subs stands out from other sub places because they steam their meat and cheeses to release a unique blend of flavors. They then stuff this (a lot of it!) to a tasty sub roll that’s also made from their own special recipe and toasted to perfection.
To say that Firehouse Subs is a typical subs restaurant would be cutting it short. Because while Firehouse Subs is the ultimate source of hot subs, it is so much more than that.
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“Founded by Firemen”
Firehouse Subs was co-founded by brothers Robin and Chris Sorensen, who also happen to be former firemen. They also grew up in a family that has served decades in police and firefighting work, so it was only a matter of time before they came up with a firefighter-themed restaurant. Before that, they tried their hand on other businesses, but Firehouse Subs was the one that really flew.
Because of the origins of Firehouse Subs, when you step in any of their restaurants you’ll see a lot of reds and whites, and a whole lot of fire equipment as well. The walls will have photos of the local firefighting history, as well as the history of the Sorensens’ firefighting service. Its restaurants are basically laid out in the same way fast casual restaurants are laid out, but you’ll really feel the firefighting experience.
Themed Sandwiches
Staying true to its theme, even the subs have names! These specialty subs on the menu will leave you clamoring for more, just from the names alone:
HOOK & LADDER
A delectable sub with smoked turkey breast and Virginia honey ham, served with melted Monterey Jack and Fully Involved with mayo, lettuce, deli mustard, onion, tomato, and a kosher deli pickle.
CLUB ON A SUB
Another creation with smoked turkey breast and Virginia honey ham, this also contains crisp Smithfield bacon, melted Monterey Jack, and the entire “Fully Involved” array of ingredients.
ENGINEER
Smoked turkey breast can also be paired with sautéed mushrooms and melted Swiss cheese, as well as loaded with Fully Involved.
TURKEY BACON RANCH
Smoked turkey breast tastes good with Smithfield bacon, especially when it’s topped with peppercorn ranch, lettuce, tomato, onion, and the clincher: sharp cheddar cheese.
ITALIAN
If you crave for a taste of Italy, you can find the best Italian meats (Genoa salami, pepperoni, ham) in this sub. Melted provolone, Italian dressings and seasonings, as well as all the “Fully Involved” toppings complete the mix.
FIREHOUSE MEATBALL
Another Italian-themed sub comes with the best Italian meatballs, melted provolone cheese, and flavored with zesty marinara and signature Italian seasonings.
NEW YORK STEAMER
Corned beef brisket has never tasted this good, especially when you pair it with pastrami, melted provolone, mayo, mustard, and of course, Italian dressing.
SMOKEHOUSE BEEF & CHEDDAR BRISKET
Barbecue lovers will enjoy the taste of USDA Choice beef brisket that has been smoked for more than 16 hours, packed in a sub with Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce, cheddar, and mayo.
STEAK & CHEESE
A milder option for meat-lovers would be this sub that contains sautéed steak, onions and bell peppers, seasoned with mayo and mustard and topped with melted provolone.
FIREHOUSE HERO
Why choose between chicken, pork and beef when you can have all? Get premium roast beef with smoked turkey breast and Virginia honey ham. This sub also comes with melted provolone and is served Fully Involved.
Aside from these themed subs, you also get a lot of other options for hot subs, cold subs, kids’ combos, and a bunch of lighter sub options that are all under 500 calories. Firehouse Subs can also come with sides (e.g. soups, chili, chips, cookies, brownies) and drinks.
Supporting Local Firefighters
The success of Firehouse Subs can be attributed to many things, like its delectable menu and unique theme, but this success also boils down to a great cause. In 2005, the Firehouse Subs Safety Foundation was established, with the aim of “helping our hometown heroes” with every donation that comes in.
Dedicated to provide resources and support to our local firemen, as well as improving their life-saving capabilities. Firehouse Subs through the foundation has given millions of dollars in equipment and resources to support public safety organizations in communities. Every October, they also celebrate Public Safety Month, giving tribute to hometown heroes and helping educate everyone about public safety. Indeed, Firehouse Subs is more than just a restaurant.
