Is Firehouse Subs right for you?
Proven Scale
1,249 franchised units across 46 states and Puerto Rico as of year-end 2025, with net system growth of 43 franchised outlets in the most recent year.
Defined Investment Range
Total initial investment estimated between $405,350 and $1,577,750 per unit, excluding real estate purchase. Franchise fee is fixed at $20,000 plus a $5,000 market introduction fee.
Ongoing Fees
Royalty of 6 percent of gross sales and advertising contribution of 5 percent of gross sales, plus fixed monthly technology fees.
About Firehouse Subs
Firehouse Subs is a QSR brand specializing in large-portion hot submarine sandwiches served in a fire-fighting themed restaurant environment. Founded in 1994 in Jacksonville, Florida, the concept is franchised by Firehouse of America, LLC, an indirect subsidiary of Restaurant Brands International following its 2021 acquisition. As of December 31, 2025, the system operated 1,291 locations in the United States and Puerto Rico, of which 1,249 were franchised.
Franchisees operate quick-service restaurants focused on hot subs, salads, and sides prepared to order. Operations center on an assembly-line kitchen model within 1,200 to 2,000 square foot inline, end-cap, or free-standing sites, many featuring drive-thru. The brand emphasizes consistent portion sizes, proprietary recipes, and a differentiated firefighter-themed atmosphere that supports both dine-in and off-premise channels including delivery and catering.
North Pole Acquisition, LLC acquired FRG, LLC (immediate parent of Firehouse of America, LLC) on December 15, 2021; FRG and Firehouse of America are indirect subsidiaries of Restaurant Brands International Limited Partnership.
The business model
How a Firehouse Subs territory actually makes money at the unit level.
Franchise and Market Fees
Initial franchise fee is $20,000. A non-refundable market introduction fee of $5,000 is also collected at signing. Background check fee of up to $500 applies for new applicants.
Royalty and Advertising Structure
Franchisees pay a 6 percent royalty on gross sales and contribute 5 percent of gross sales to the national System Fund. An additional $150 monthly technology fee plus 1 percent of digital sales applies.
Supply Chain Economics
Required purchases from approved and designated suppliers represent 30-40 percent of ongoing operating costs and 80-90 percent of initial setup costs. The franchisor and affiliates receive rebates on these purchases.
Site and Build Parameters
Restaurants range from 1,200 to 2,000 square feet. Investment varies materially by format (inline versus drive-thru) and landlord contributions. Real estate costs are excluded from the disclosed range.
No Exclusive Territory
Franchisees receive a protected trade area of approximately one-mile radius around the approved site. The franchisor retains rights to nontraditional locations, delivery, catering, and affiliated brands within or outside that area.
Multi-Unit Development
Development agreements typically include negotiated schedules for opening multiple units. Only 2 percent of the 200 tracked operators in the system currently run more than one unit.
Quick facts
Initial franchise fee
$20,000
Total investment range
$405,350 to $1,577,750
Royalty
6.00% of gross revenue
Marketing fund
5.00% of gross revenue
Founded
1994
Headquarters
Jacksonville, FL
Active US franchisees
200
Total US units
208
Training & support
What the franchisor + parent platform provide. And what they don't.
What's provided
- +Initial training program for the franchisee and managing owner at the franchisee's expense
- +Mandatory periodic training courses for the managing owner and key employees
- +Ongoing advisory assistance provided in person or through electronic and written communications
- +Additional training available at $50 per person per day
- +Refresher training required at $100 per person per day if mandated
- +Access to approved POS, BOH, and digital ordering systems with required specifications and PCI/DSS compliance
Honest disclosure: what's NOT provided
The the filed disclosures does not disclose the number of hours, specific curriculum modules, or training location for the initial program. All training costs are borne by the franchisee.
Multi-unit growth path
Development agreements are available and typically contain specific multi-unit opening schedules negotiated at signing. As of the latest operator data, only 2 percent of the 200 active operators run more than one unit, indicating the majority of the system remains single-unit ownership. Incremental units require separate franchise agreements and full initial investment for each location.
Capital + financing paths
Most operators use one of these four paths to fund the initial investment.
SBA 7(a) Loan Program
Many Firehouse Subs franchisees utilize SBA-guaranteed loans for a significant portion of the initial investment. Lenders typically require 20-30 percent equity injection and review the the filed disclosures and operator financials.
Conventional Bank Financing
Regional and national banks familiar with QSR concepts may finance equipment, leasehold improvements, and working capital. Strong personal credit, liquidity, and experience improve approval odds.
Franchisee Cash and Rollover Equity
Many operators fund a portion of the $405,350 to $1,577,750 range with personal capital or retirement-plan rollovers through third-party providers. The franchisor does not offer direct financing.
Equipment Leasing
Portions of the equipment and fixture package ($105,000-$290,000) can often be leased, reducing upfront cash requirements while preserving working capital.
Process timeline: inquiry → grand opening
Typical 12-16 week path from first call to launching your first customer route.
Application and Qualification
Submit application, pay background check fee, and complete franchisor review. Discovery day and approval typically occur within 2-4 weeks.
Franchise Agreement Signing
Pay the $20,000 franchise fee and $5,000 market introduction fee. Execute franchise and, if applicable, development agreements.
Site Selection and Lease
Identify and secure approved location within the protected trade area. Complete lease negotiation and landlord build-out allowances, generally 8-12 weeks.
Design and Permitting
Engage approved architect and engineer. Submit plans for municipal permits and brand approval, typically 6-10 weeks.
Construction and Build-Out
Complete leasehold improvements, signage, mural, equipment installation, and interior branding. Drive-thru formats extend this phase. Duration 12-20 weeks.
Training and Pre-Opening
Attend initial training, install and test POS and technology systems, receive opening inventory, and complete final inspections. 2-4 weeks prior to opening.
Grand Opening
Market introduction program funded by the $5,000 fee is executed within the first 12 months. Restaurant opens for business.
Match assessment
Are you a Firehouse Subs match?
12 questions. Math-first. No high-pressure sales call afterwards. Just your match assessment and the reasoning behind it.
Start nowCommon questions
How much does a Firehouse Subs franchise cost?
Total initial investment ranges from $405,350 to $1,577,750 according to the investment disclosure of the the filed disclosures. This includes a $20,000 franchise fee and $5,000 market introduction fee but excludes the purchase or lease of real estate.
What are the royalty and advertising fees for Firehouse Subs?
The royalty is 6 percent of gross sales. The national advertising contribution is 5 percent of gross sales. An additional $150 monthly technology fee plus 1 percent of digital sales also applies.
Does Firehouse Subs provide financial performance representations?
Yes. the financial-performance disclosure discloses 2025 Restaurant-level EBITDA and detailed cost components broken out by cohort (year opened, sales level, format). Averages, medians, and ranges are shown. Written substantiation is available upon reasonable request.
How many Firehouse Subs locations are there?
As of December 31, 2025, the system had 1,291 restaurants in the United States and Puerto Rico, of which 1,249 were franchised and 42 were company-owned.
Does Firehouse Subs offer exclusive territories?
No. Franchisees receive a protected trade area of approximately one mile around the approved site. The franchisor reserves rights to nontraditional locations, delivery, catering, and affiliated brands inside or outside that area.
What is the typical Firehouse Subs franchisee profile?
Of 200 tracked operators, 98 percent run a single unit. Multi-unit ownership remains limited. The brand draws both experienced QSR operators and first-time owners who complete the required training program.
How long does it take to open a Firehouse Subs restaurant?
From franchise agreement signing to opening, the timeline typically spans 6 to 12 months depending on site acquisition, permitting, construction, and whether the location includes drive-thru.
Does Firehouse Subs own any other brands?
Firehouse of America, LLC is an indirect subsidiary of Restaurant Brands International, which also owns Burger King, Popeyes, and Tim Hortons.
Are Firehouse Subs franchisees required to purchase from approved suppliers?
Yes. 30-40 percent of ongoing purchases and 80-90 percent of initial purchases must come from approved or designated suppliers. The franchisor and its affiliates receive rebates on many of these purchases.
What training and support does Firehouse Subs provide?
The franchisor offers initial training for the franchisee and managing owner, mandatory periodic training, and ongoing advisory support. All training costs are paid by the franchisee. Specific hours and curriculum details are not disclosed in Item 11.
How many Firehouse Subs opened in 2025?
73 new franchised outlets opened in 2025. The net increase in franchised units was 43 after accounting for non-renewals and closures.
Can I convert an existing restaurant to a Firehouse Subs?
Conversion is possible subject to site approval, renovation to brand standards, and execution of a franchise agreement. Transfer and renovation fees may apply.
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