It's hard to choose a favorite amongst Firehouse Subs' lineup of hot, steamy subs — Photo courtesy of Amy West
What do you get when you mix homegrown heroes raised on the First Coast, a family of entrepreneurs and a little steam? A recipe for success.
Those ingredients, tons of hard work and a powerful vision went into the Jacksonville-based Firehouse Subs empire that now stretches across the country as one of the steadiest growing fast casual food chains in the nation.
Jacksonville is home to the very first Firehouse Subs restaurant, which has served since its inception as the incubator and test market for the chain.
Thanks to the chain's national popularity today, folks all across the country enjoy unique flavors originally conceived right on the First Coast – like their popular Cherry Lime-Aid and the peppers found in their signature hot sauce Captain Sorensen’s Datil Pepper Hot Sauce. (This was originally a local best-kept secret of the North Florida food culture.)
Datil peppers used in their signature Captain Sorensen's Datil Pepper Hot Sauce originated in the North Florida region — Photo courtesy of Amy West
Walk in to any Firehouse Subs, and the experience will be consistent. Guests are welcomed with a friendly greeting, the smell of hearty ingredients and an environment reminiscent of good ol’ American firehouses.
The family-friendly ambiance gives guests the experience of what it’s like to enjoy a meal in a firehouse, while also celebrating each community a restaurant is planted in with an individual mural customized to represent the local culture. Each of the murals are painted right in Jacksonville by the artist who crafted the original artwork that began the trend.
These murals are an example of how nearly 1,000 locations later, you can count on a unique experience at each restaurant while never swaying from that same consistent quality of taste delivered in each sandwich.
Firehouse Subs' signature hearty portions ensure you won't leave hungry — Photo courtesy of Amy West
Firehouse Subs’ commitment to the best-tasting and highest quality ingredients is unwavering. From their tasty brisket – hickory smoked for 16 to 18 hours – to their use of Sargento cheese and rich Duke’s mayonnaise, there's no compromise when it comes to their full flavors.
In addition, Firehouse Subs' unique method of steaming each generous portion of meat and cheese to serve on hot toasted bread stands apart from others in the business and lives up to their high caliber of excellence.
Firehouse Subs is set to launch it's first complete menu of Cold Deli Heroes this year — Photo courtesy of Amy West
Firehouse continues to make waves in the industry, always looking to set trends and explore new territory. In fact, this year, for the first time in over 20 years of operation, Firehouse Subs will roll out an entire menu of Cold Deli Heroes.
These six delicious new subs (perfect for a pack-and-go lunch on the beach) are already tempting taste buds in a select few Jacksonville locations and will soon roll out to the entire chain.
Firemen demonstrate life-saving equipment donated by the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation — Photo courtesy of Amy West
Conceived in 1994 by brothers Chris and Robin Sorensen, Firehouse Subs was homegrown on Jacksonville soil. Drawing from their family’s heritage as firefighters and entrepreneurs, the brothers' passionate determination to succeed helped them navigate the road from start-up to sensation – a sensation that wouldn’t have thrived without its dedication to heart-felt service, the brotherly bonds of friendship and hearty food.
That dedication produced not only great, quality subs, but it was also the launching ground for the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. It's a foundation that's responsible, in Jacksonville alone, for over a million dollars' worth of donated life-saving equipment to first responders. On top of that, the entire body of franchise locations has helped raise over 13 million dollars for grants nationwide through the foundation.
For the tastiest sandwiches developed in the heart of Jacksonville, by a family of heroes with a passion not only to succeed but also to save lives, visit Firehouse Subs.
Feel good about the quality of food you’ll consume, and join a movement that’s paying it forward and making a difference in our community.
Cofounder Robin Sorensen speaks at a Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation event — Photo courtesy of Amy West
