When I opened my first Firehouse Subs restaurant in 2002, franchising wasn’t part of my family’s plan, or even on my radar. I come from a family of attorneys, and my background was in telecom, so restaurants weren’t exactly in my blood. When I first told my parents I was considering opening a sandwich shop, they thought I was a little crazy. But as I explored my options, I was drawn to Firehouse Subs because of the simplicity of its operations, the balance it offered for my lifestyle, and the powerful connection it had to its mission of public safety and community service.
More than two decades later, I own ten Firehouse Subs locations across South Carolina, with an eleventh in development. Along the way, I’ve watched the quick-service restaurant (QSR) landscape evolve dramatically, including the dominance of multi-unit operators. According to recent data, 82% of all QSR units are now owned by multi-unit operators, and for good reason.
As an operator, I know firsthand that when you’re considering scaling up, you want a brand that delivers strong ROI and doesn’t overwhelm you with operational complexity. For me, Firehouse Subs has consistently checked those boxes. Backed by the shared service efficiencies of Restaurant Brands International (RBI), Firehouse offers franchisees best-in-class returns, powerful corporate support, and a model that’s built for growth.
The Appeal of a Scalable Model
When I first explored franchising, I knew I didn’t want the late-night hours and grueling schedules associated with bars or full-service restaurants. I wanted a business I could manage independently while still having time for family and personal life. Firehouse Subs was the perfect fit.
The operational model is straightforward, with a menu focused on high-quality, steam-heated subs and a streamlined kitchen setup. This simplicity makes it easier to train team members, manage multiple locations, and ensure consistency across the board, which are critical factors for any operator looking to scale.
I started with one restaurant, with no plans to expand beyond that. My first location was the 91st to open in the system, and at that time, Firehouse was still in the early stages of franchising. Within six months, the brand began to ramp up its franchise efforts and approached me about expanding. By then, I had my feet under me and was confident I could handle more. I signed a development agreement for five additional locations in late 2003, setting me on a path to multi-unit growth.
Firehouse maintains high standards for who they allow to expand, focusing on proven operators who are meeting operational benchmarks. That selectivity has preserved the integrity of the system and encouraged franchisees like me to keep striving for excellence.
Why Mission Matters
One of the most meaningful aspects of being a Firehouse Subs franchisee is the brand’s unwavering commitment to public safety through the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. This mission is woven into our daily operations and has a visible impact on our communities.
Every time a customer rounds up their change or participates in a fundraising initiative, those donations are put to work supporting first responders and public safety efforts. For example, just recently, we celebrated two grants totaling more than $40,000 to fire departments in our area. My crew members and our guests were able to see exactly where those funds went and how they directly improved public safety in our neighborhoods.
That transparency builds trust and loyalty. In today’s world, there are countless “round-up” campaigns, but what sets Firehouse apart is that people can see tangible results. It creates a sense of purpose for our team and strengthens our connection to the communities we serve.
For me personally, it’s incredibly rewarding to know that my business is making a difference. My staff takes pride in being part of something bigger than just serving great food. This mission-driven culture has been a huge part of why I’ve stayed with Firehouse for 23 years, and why I continue to grow with the brand.
A Brand Built for Today’s Market
The restaurant industry has faced significant challenges over the past few years, from supply chain disruptions to labor shortages to inflationary pressures. Through it all, Firehouse Subs has demonstrated resilience and adaptability.
Being part of the RBI family provides us with access to shared services and resources that make us more competitive. From marketing to purchasing power to technology, the support we receive allows franchisees to focus on what matters most: running great restaurants and delivering an exceptional guest experience.
For multi-unit operators like me, this level of support is invaluable. It gives us the confidence to keep growing, knowing we have a strong infrastructure behind us. As the demand for high-performing QSR brands continues to rise, Firehouse Subs is well-positioned to stand out.
When I reflect on my journey, I’m amazed at how far we’ve come. From a single restaurant with no prior industry experience to a thriving portfolio of ten, and soon to be eleven, locations, it’s been an incredible ride. The key to that growth has been finding a brand that aligns with my values, provides a scalable business model, and supports its franchisees every step of the way. Firehouse Subs has delivered on all counts.
As the industry trends toward multi-unit ownership, the brands that will thrive are those that combine operational simplicity with strong returns and a meaningful mission. For me, Firehouse Subs has been that perfect blend.
For aspiring franchisees—whether you’re a veteran, a first responder, or someone like me coming from a completely different background—my advice is simple: look for a brand that offers more than just a product. Look for a brand with a purpose.
Firehouse Subs has been that brand for me for over 23 years, and I’m excited to see where the journey takes us next.
By Elliott Goldsmith, Firehouse Subs Franchise Owner