Description of franchise system

FIREHOUSE SUBS was created based on the enthusiasm for quality food, love of cooking, and zeal for serving their guests. They know that you have to have great customer care in order to be successful, and so, after trying out several different business ventures, the founders finally hit on the winning idea of Firehouse Subs!

The founders of Firehouse Subs had researched many industry concepts, and wanted to start a microbrewery restaurant but did not have the funds for it. Noticing that sub sandwiches were becoming more and more popular, in 1994 in Jacksonville, Florida, firefighter brothers Chris and Robin Sorensen started Firehouse Subs, and since then it has spread like wildfire.

Beginning with only one location in Jacksonville, now Firehouse Subs has more than 300 locations with close to 1000 currently in development. Newly dubbed by Restaurant Business Magazine as the 10th fastest expanding franchise chain in the country, every location has a firehouse theme full of firefighter memorabilia, fire pictures, fire equipment, boots and even a hand-painted wall mural with a focus on local firefighters.

Franchise concept

Firehouse Subs develops their markets by implementing a two-level system of Master Franchisees and Franchise owners. The Master Franchisee buys the rights to a Territory (usually a complete TV market) and is in-charge of all the franchises in this area as he/she owns and operates the first "teaching" restaurant in the territory. Firehouse Subs conducts a thorough study of every market territory in order to establish the most advantageous number of locations that should be opened, and this figure becomes part of the Master Franchise Agreement .

Finally, the Master Franchisee identifies candidates for franchise owners who will develop the restaurant balance in their marketplace. The Master Franchisee’s main responsibility is to train the Unit Franchisees and provide them with local support for every necessary area of the business, such as marketing, site selection, and continuing operations.

This Area Representative or Master Franchisee is uniquely positioned and qualified to give on-site support to franchise owners (unlike unit owners, Firehouse Subs only considers well-experienced professionals in the restaurant industry for their Master Franchisors).

Franchise partner profile

Firehouse Subs is currently looking for dedicated, hard-working businesspeople to become Master Franchisees in markets throughout the United States. The typical Master Franchise candidate will have multi-unit management ability and possess a broad background in construction, real estate, restaurant administration, profit center accountability and marketing. Firehouse Subs also looks for individuals that can work well with other people; have a dynamic personalities; have familiarity in a franchise network; and can offer direction at the market level.

Firehouse Subs is also seeking single or multiple unit franchisees. In contrast to their Master Franchise candidates, a single unit franchisee is not required to have experience in the restaurant industry to meet the criteria for a franchise location. Although Firehouse Subs prefers that you have a strong knowledge of business management, the most essential prerequisites are a great work ethic and attitude; being able to listen, learn and direct; a passion for food and customer service; and a strong aspiration to make your Firehouse Subs Restaurant the best it can be, every single day!

Fill out the information below and find out if Firehouse Subs might be the right Franchise Opportunity for you!

Facts

Standard information

Country of origin	USA
Company foundation (nat / worldwide)	1994 / 1994
First franchising (nat / worldwide)	1996 / 1996
Country of data	USA
Total investment (nat)	221.000 USD
Personal capital	80.000 USD
Initial entry fee	20.000 USD
Royalty	6,00 % of gross sales
Advertising fee	3,00 % of gross sales
Type of contract	Franchise-System Licence Cooperatives Others
Renewal fee
Space needs	140 m2
Master licenses available

Priority development	• USA

Minimum turnover
Pilot unit in the country of data
Internal purchase
Mark-up of goods

Financial support

Training activities

Training content

Management support

Ideal franchisee profile

News

22.04.2012

Firehouse Subs franchise enjoys a highly successful 2011

Last month, Firehouse Subs announced that it surpassed company goals and industry averages in 2011 resulting in it having a record-breaking year. According to the information provided by the compan... » Read more

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15.04.2011

Multi-Unit Franchisee Magazine announces 2011 MVP Award Winners

Multi-Unit Franchisee Magazine has announced the winners of the annual MVP (Most Valuable Player) Awards. These awards honor successful franchisees who have demonstrated outstanding performance in ... » Read more