Firehouse Subs(R) Continued Steady Growth in 2009

By: Firehouse Subs | 5 Shares 210 Reads

Development on Track With 38 New Store Openings Last Year

JACKSONVILLE, FL--(Marketwire - January 12, 2010) - Firehouse Subs®, founded by firemen and renowned for hearty, oversized portions and piping hot subs, announced today the company experienced solid growth across the country in 2009 with the opening of 38 new restaurants.

Since January 2009, Firehouse Subs has opened restaurants in Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. Firehouse Subs also signed 26 new individual franchisee agreements last year.
These recent agreements support Firehouse Subs' steady growth from 30 restaurants in 2000 to 370 current locations. In 2010, the company has set goals to open more than 50 locations.

"By staying true to our mission of superior products and customer service, Firehouse Subs is well positioned to capitalize on our extraordinary success in 2009," said Greg Delks, director of franchising of Firehouse Subs. "The strength of our product, concept and franchisee network are the key reasons we've succeeded."

Firehouse Subs' recent accomplishments are also due in part to the company's current marketing campaign that highlights its high-quality subs and unique personality. The "Our Way Beats Their Way" campaign aggressively targets its competitors directly and refers to both Firehouse Subs' sandwiches and the power of the brand's franchising model.

"We've been pleased that our unique concept and product offering has increased interest from entrepreneurs looking to join the Firehouse Subs' family," said Don Fox, CEO of Firehouse of America, LLC. "As Firehouse Subs continues to expand across the U.S., our development model will continue to focus on identifying the right franchisee, in the right location and at the right time. This commitment to smart growth will continue to guide our ongoing success."

To fuel its growth planned for this year, Firehouse Subs is actively seeking restaurant owners and multi-unit restaurant developers who possess the desire to maximize their territory's sales, have strong financial backgrounds and bring a serious passion for the communities they will serve.

Firehouse Subs is currently seeking Area Representatives in select markets such as St. Louis, Mo., Oklahoma City, Okla., and Pittsburgh, Pa., among others. Area Representatives' responsibilities include selling franchises and providing the overall marketing and operational support to the franchisees, who oversee their own day-to-day operations. Additional responsibilities include increasing market shares, maintaining revenue and developing management teams. This entrepreneurial model provides a caliber of support and a continuity of relationships that best serves Firehouse Subs' growth strategy.

Continuing its history of developing innovative products while keeping its attention on customer service, Firehouse Subs is focused on building and sustaining a profitable business and strong brand identity for its Area Representatives and franchisees. Furthering this commitment, Firehouse Subs also offers extensive training programs and comprehensive operating systems designed to help build business. A broad support team is geared to simplify operations and includes development and construction experts, operational support professionals, training managers and field marketing managers. Firehouse Subs has proven to be a simple business to run with convenient hours of operation and minimal equipment.

For more information about Firehouse Subs, please visit www.firehousesubs.com or become a Facebook fan at www.facebook.com/firehousesubs or follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/firehouse_subs.

Firehouse Subs, founded in Jacksonville, Fla., by former firefighting brothers Chris and Robin Sorensen, is a 370 unit fast-casual restaurant chain offering oversized portions of premium, hand-sliced meats, topped with Sargento cheeses, all steamed together to enhance the flavor, piled high with fresh produce on a toasted sub roll. Restaurants feature authentic firefighter décor celebrating local firefighting history, as well as the founding family's 200 years of firefighting service. In 2005, the company created The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, Inc. to provide funding to deserving local fire departments. Over the past two years, the Foundation has donated more than $1.75 million in equipment and resources. For its dedication to community service, Firehouse Subs was named "National Chain" winner of the National Restaurant Association's (NRA) Restaurant Neighbor Award.