Franchisee Satisfaction Report

We are currently looking for hard-working, dedicated Franchisees to become Area Representatives in markets throughout the United States.

The Firehouse Subs Story

Born into an entrepreneurial family with a 200+ year heritage of firefighting, the Sorensen brothers were destined to become both firefighters and the founders of Firehouse Subs. Now, a short 17 years after opening their first restaurant, the brand has grown to nearly 450 restaurants nationwide, with even more ambitious expansion in the works. Featuring second-to-none sub sandwiches, and a commitment to the communities they serve, Firehouse Subs is a daily affirmation that serving good food and doing good belong together.

Spreading Like Wildfire

At headquarters, we like to call our growth a "controlled burn." With nearly 450 locations, our expansion is carefully calculated to optimize potential, profitability, investment, and of course, our franchisees' success. Our plans show Firehouse Subs reaching 2,000 locations by 2020. As that's a fire with some serious heat, it's a good thing we were founded by firefighters.

Reasons to Invest

As one of the country's fastest growing restaurant brands, and a leader in the fast-casual sandwich industry, the demand for our uniquely prepared Specialty Subs is growing by leaps and bounds, opening up opportunities for expansion in new and existing markets. With our strong brand identity, exceptional franchisee relationships, and passionate executive team, Firehouse Subs is perfectly poised for development with the right investor.

• Investment opportunities from $200,300
• High average AUVs (Average Unit Volume)
• Well-defined real estate guidelines
• Strong brand heritage

Operational Excellence & Training

With an ever-growing history of innovative products, a focus on exceptional customer service, and a one-of-a-kind brand identity, Firehouse Subs is committed to building profitable businesses for franchisees and area representatives alike. Furthering our commitment, we offer extensive training programs and operating systems to help build your business. Our support team includes development and construction experts, training managers, field marketing managers, and seasoned operational managers -- all working together, streamlining operations for businesses that are simple to run.

Industry Recognition

• Fast Casual Magazine 2011 #1 "Top 100 Movers & Shakers"
• Entrepreneur Magazine 2006-2010 "Franchise 500" Ranking
• Entrepreneur Magazine 2007-2010 "Fastest Growing Franchise" ranking
• Franchise Times 2010 "Next Top 100 Franchises" Ranking
• AOL 2009 "The Next Big Chain, Up & Comers to Watch"
• ZAGAT 2010 Top-rated in Service

Community Service

As former firefighters, we know all too well that to save a life, you must have the proper tools, gear, and knowledge. That's why we launched the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, to give back to the public safety entities in the communities we serve. Since its inception in 2005, the Foundation has donated well over $2 million in equipment and resources to Police, Fire, and EMS Departments across the country. We are dedicated to improving the life-saving capabilities of all emergency services, with funding, resources, and direct support to those who need it most.

Commonly asked questions and answers about this franchise opportunity.

1. How soon can I open? How long does the process take?
From first inquiry to opening of the restaurant, the process takes about six to 12 months (depending on a number of factors, including site availability).

2. What is my initial investment?
The initial single-unit franchise fee is $20,000. Estimated initial investment required for a single restaurant ranges from $200,300 to $385,675.

3. What are the royalty and advertising fees?
Royalty is 6% of sales; advertising is 3% of sales. The 3% advertising fee is broken up into two parts: 2% is focused on local advertising efforts and 1% funds national advertising efforts.

4. Can I own more than one unit?
And how can I be assured of future locations?Yes, you may own more than a single unit. You can lock up additional locations by signing a development agreement for multiple units. For the development rights to a geographic area, a nonrefundable payment equal to 50 percent of the total franchise fee for each store to be opened in the area is required upon signing the multiple unit development agreement. Then, the initial franchise fee for each store is reduced by half and due upon signing the franchise agreement. You will select a territory from those currently available; it will be a protected territory. At that time, we will agree upon the number of stores to be opened and timetable for opening them.

5. How many employees does it take to operate a unit?
Expect to hire 15 to 20 full and part-time employees.

6. What support will I receive going forward?
You will receive marketing and advertising support (emphasizing a neighborhood-marketing methodology) through your Area Representative, our advertising agency (Zimmerman), and our corporate marketing staff. Led by your Area Representative, you and the other franchisees in the local market will work collaboratively to execute marketing programs at the market level (national programs may also be required by FOA from time to time). In addition, you’ll benefit from ongoing training, research and development of new products, regular dialogues with your AR, operations support and periodic business counseling.

7. What are the requirements for an operating partner?
We only allow operating partners who are solely devoted to their Firehouse Subs business. The operating partner must also have a minimum of 50% ownership. The operating partner cannot be actively engaged in other business interests that potentially detract from the optimum performance of their Firehouse Subs restaurant(s).