June 10, 2011 // Franchising.com // JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Honoring lifesaving efforts through its "Hero" Cup series, Firehouse Subs unveils the newest story, featuring Francisco Tuttle on its 32 ounce beverage cup. Though previous cups typically honor single acts of bravery, the Tuttle cup highlights the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation and the impact of pickle bucket sales and spare change donated by everyday "heroes." His dramatic tale joins five firefighters and a child currently depicted on Firehouse Subs "Hero" Cups.
Francisco Tuttle suffered a heart attack at his work in 2009 and the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department, recipients of a $15,300 ZOLL Autopulse machine donated by the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, rushed to Tuttle's aid. Though pronounced dead, the ZOLL Autopulse brought him back to life with consistent and powerful compressions impossible to deliver by human hands or simple CPR devices. He was rushed to the hospital for recovery and returned to work three weeks later. The compelling story caught the attention of national news icon, Anderson Cooper, and was featured on Anderson Cooper 360° in April 2010.
"My brother, Chris, and I started the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation in 2005, and we are constantly humbled by its impact," said Robin Sorensen, co-founder of Firehouse Subs. "We are thankful Francisco Tuttle is alive today and proud to have played a small part, though recognition should be given to the first responders that used quick thinking and great training."
As detailed on the 32-ounce beverage cup, Tuttle credits the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation and the restaurant patrons that contributed generous donations, as well as the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department for saving his life. Since the heart attack, Tuttle saw his youngest son graduate high school, his oldest son turn 21 and met his first grandchild. Guests read Tuttle's tale at any Firehouse Subs location.
In 2005, Firehouse Subs founders, Chris Sorensen and Robin Sorensen, created the non-profit Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation and they now refer to the Foundation as the heart of the company. From the beginning, the mission has been to provide first responders with life-saving equipment, fire safety prevention and educational tools, natural disaster preparedness and financial resources for training and careers in the public safety sector. Through the non-profit 501 (c)(3), Firehouse Subs has given more than $2 million in more than 200 communities to hometown heroes, including fire and police departments and EMS organizations.
Firehouse Subs, founded in Jacksonville, Fla. by former firefighting brothers Chris Sorensen and Robin Sorensen, is a 433-unit fast-casual restaurant chain. Firehouse Subs offers oversized portions of premium hand-sliced meats and cheeses, steamed to make the flavors burst, then piled high with fresh produce atop a toasted sub roll. The restaurants reflect the authentic firefighter heritage of the founding family's 200 years of firefighting service.
Firehouse Subs® is a fast casual restaurant chain with a passion for Hearty and Flavorful Food, Heartfelt Service and Public Safety.