Firehouse Subs

The creation of Firehouse Subs was based on our love for cooking and fellowship, and our passion for serving customers.

We grew up in a family-owned retail television business in Jacksonville, Florida, where we learned from an early age that you have to take care of the customer. Being exposed to the entrepreneurial spirit of our parents, I guess you could say we were bitten by the "entrepreneurial bug" at an early age.

We tried our hand at several different ventures both together, and apart. We owned a video production company, a spin-off of our parents' business. We painted houses, mowed lawns, and then there was the short stint in the Christmas tree farm business. We named it Kris Kringle Tree Company, but never sold one tree. Anyway, we were always thinking big and still are today.

People always ask if it's tough to be partners with your brother. It works because we are completely different.

Chris - I started playing guitar as a kid. I am a songwriter and guitarist and came close to "making it big" a couple of times. I recorded some songs with Ike Turner and pursued music on my days off from the fire department, among other jobs, to make ends meet.

Robin - I pursued real estate, following in the footsteps of my mom. I flipped cars. Eventually, I went the firefighter route, but I love cooking and always wanted to own a restaurant. I needed to learn the business, so I became a general manager at one of my favorite restaurants.

We reunited and the entrepreneurial juices started flowing. It wasn't a get rich quick scheme. It was about having a place of our own and living the "American Dream."

We researched many ideas and concepts, but most were too expensive. Subs were becoming a popular niche, and we knew, without a doubt, that we could improve upon what was out there.

We made a list of the things we would have to do to differentiate ourselves from the competition; the idea for Firehouse Subs was drawn out on a napkin in a competitor's parking lot that very day.

The Product
Serve hearty subs with high quality meats and cheeses. It took two years of research to find the right products, and it was truly a family affair from the beginning. We utilized holidays as tasting parties to get input from our family and close friends.

The Heat
Serve hot subs without using a microwave. Using a steamer heats the meat and cheese, but also adds moisture, unlike a microwave. Steaming is what makes the meat and cheese flavors burst, and once we tasted it, we knew there was nothing else like it.

The Customers
Create an environment that focuses on customer service, and is family-oriented. Growing up in a family-owned business, it came natural.

The Theme
Find a theme that people can relate to, and that is authentic. Our mom's family has decades of service on the Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department (JFRD), and her relatives inspired our father to join the fire department.

Our dad retired in 2004 with 43 years of service as a Combat Captain, and our family has more than 200 years of public service as firefighters. It is a theme that is personal to us, but is appealing to people of all ages, and is embraced in every community.

We had a recipe for success! But financially, we had to get creative to open up the first restaurant. Our family and friends pitched in. Lots of blood, sweat and tears went into opening the first restaurant. We even financed most of the opening on my (Robin's) mother-in-law's credit card.



Many were skeptical, but the negative energy fueled our passion. We couldn't wait to open.

The first day the staff consisted mostly of family with little or no restaurant experience.

Chris - Right before we opened, I told everyone to man their battle stations. I didn't realize how perceptive that statement was at the time.

Robin - If you have ever visited one of our restaurants, then you know what we mean.

There was a line to the door within the first hour, and it's been that way ever since.

Firehouse Subs has been serving the hottest subs in town ever since. We are now celebrating 14 years in business, and have opened more than 350 restaurants in 17 states.

We now man our battle stations from the corporate office, where we have more than 40 dedicated staff overseeing the growth and development of new markets. We continue to live the American Dream everyday, thanks to believers and loyal customers like you.