History of Firehouse Subs in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: November 11, 2025

Firehouse Subs is an American fast casual restaurant chain specializing in submarine sandwiches. Founded in 1994 in Jacksonville, Florida, by firefighter brothers Chris and Robin Sorensen, the chain emphasizes its firefighter heritage. Firehouse Subs is now a subsidiary of Restaurant Brands International, a parent company that also owns Burger King, Popeyes, and Tim Hortons.

October 10, 1994: First Restaurant Opened

On October 10, 1994, the first Firehouse Subs restaurant was opened in Jacksonville, Florida.

1994: Firehouse Subs Founded

In 1994, Firehouse Subs was founded in Jacksonville, Florida, by brothers Chris and Robin Sorensen, who were former firefighters.

1995: First Attempt at Franchising

In 1995, Firehouse Subs first attempted franchising, but the founders decided to focus on operating company-owned stores.

1998: Expansion Beyond Florida

In 1998, Firehouse Subs surpassed 10 locations and opened its first location outside of Florida.

2000: Franchise Growth Planning

In 2000, the founders of Firehouse Subs decided to use consultants to plan franchise growth and set up financing for potential franchisees.

2001: Second Wave of Franchising

The second wave of franchising for Firehouse Subs began in 2001.

2011: Expansion to Puerto Rico

In 2011, Firehouse Subs opened its first franchises in the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico.

2012: Company Growth

By 2012, Firehouse Subs reached 500 locations, ending the year with nearly 600.

2015: Canadian Expansion and Loyalty Program Launch

In 2015, Firehouse Subs opened its first location in Canada, specifically in Oshawa, Ontario, and also launched a loyalty program.

July 2016: 1,000th Location Opened

In July 2016, Firehouse Subs opened its 1,000th location.

June 2017: First Airport Location Opened

In June 2017, Firehouse Subs opened its first airport location at Jacksonville International.

December 2017: Second Airport Location Opened

In December 2017, Firehouse Subs opened its second airport location at Orlando International.

2017: Jay Miller Joins the Company

In 2017, Jay Miller joined Firehouse Subs as the director of product development, working alongside Chris and Robin to develop the menu.

April 2018: First On-Campus Location Opened

In April 2018, Firehouse Subs opened its first on-campus location at Western New England University.

2020: Location Opened at Baptist Medical Center

In 2020, Firehouse Subs opened a location at Jacksonville's Baptist Medical Center.

November 15, 2021: Restaurant Brands International Acquisition Announcement

On November 15, 2021, Restaurant Brands International, the parent company of Burger King, announced its plan to acquire Firehouse Subs for $1 billion.