Firehouse Subs is a fast casual restaurant chain with locations throughout the U.S. They are a private company that has been rapidly expanding through franchise growth. They serve hot and cold sandwiches, a variety of specialty subs, salads and kids meals. They also offer catering services and an online order to go service.
The company began in 1994 in Jacksonville, Florida. It was founded by two brothers and former firefighters, Chris and Robin Sorenson. The company has continued to expand nationally and internationally over the last twenty years. There are over 1,000 restaurants as of 2016. They have locations in Puerto Rico and Canada in addition to the continental U.S.
The franchise offers a unique casual dining experience with fire station decor in each restaurant. Each location features a unique mural of local first responders. Their menu draws inspiration from the fire station as well. They serve a Hook & Ladder sub and a Firehouse Hero. They were ranked number one by Technomic’s Chain Restaurant Consumer’s Choice Awards in multiple categories over the last four years. They were deemed Best Franchise to Buy by Forbes in 2018.
Employee benefits include flexible scheduling and employee discounts. The company provides multiple opportunities for growth at company owned locations, in the corporate office and at franchisee owned locations.
How old do you have to be to work at Firehouse Subs?
Any employee must be at least eighteen years old. Applicants applying to own a franchise location may be required to be at least twenty one.
Firehouse Subs Careers
The company offers full and part time opportunities and hires seasonal staff. They hire for company owned and franchisee owned locations. Positions offered include crew member, cashier, prep associate, catering assistant, delivery driver and assistant manager. In addition, the restaurant offers opportunities to own a franchise and operate independently.
Crew Member: Restaurant Crew Members are responsible with supporting overall restaurant operations and executing high quality customer service. They are tasked with working the dining room, cash, performing cleaning and other operational tasks and supporting fellow team members in any capacity.
Cashier: The Cashier is responsible for taking orders at the counter and accurately entering information into the POS system and maintaining the cash drawer. They are expected to troubleshoot and respond quickly to any customer comments or concerns. Cashiers also act as support staff to other team members and assist in general restaurant and operational tasks. Cashiers must have strong knowledge of the menu and be able to respond to any related questions.
Assistant Manager: Assistant Managers oversee day-to-day restaurant operations and ensure that the restaurant remains in compliance with company standards and regulations. They ensure quality customer service, participate in hiring new team members and produce accurate reports as necessary. The Assistant Manager supports the General Manager in achieving company standards and sales targets. They are expected to maintain the profitability of a specific shift.
Delivery Driver: Delivery Drivers are responsible for delivering customer orders accurately and on time. They support the Cashier and kitchen staff in ensuring orders are correct before delivery. Delivery Drivers play a crucial role in day-to-day restaurant tasks, as they are expected to be in the store assisting team members during any lulls in deliveries. Delivery Drivers must be able to work in changing weather conditions and lift up to 50 pounds as part of their daily duties.
Catering Assistant: The Catering Assistant is tasked with supporting the catering team in advance of and at catered events. They are expected to make sure that orders are correct, any silverware or additional requested items are included and support the transport of food to the venue. They also must work to ensure health standards and company standards. The Catering Assistant also supports Team Members in ensuring timely and efficient customer service.
Prep/Slicer: The Prep Associate is tasked with preparing and storing all ingredients and food for use by the kitchen. They are charged with keeping the kitchen area clean and organized and in compliance with health regulations and company standards. The Prep Associate is also expected to provide support to the kitchen staff and other crew members when needed.
Restaurant Franchisee: Restaurant Franchisees are not employees of the company and are in business independently. They are responsible for hiring their own team members, overseeing restaurant operations and setting employment policies and procedures for their individual location. Franchisees play a key role in the expansion of the company and opportunities to become a franchisee are growing.
Firehouse Subs Application
Applicants should begin the process by visiting the company’s career page on their website. They can then choose to continue the process online or go to a store location to submit a paper application. Individuals interested in franchising opportunities should visit the company’s website for a detailed overview of available locations and the steps required to become a franchisee.
When filling out their application, applicants should be sure to focus on prior experience in retail, the restaurant industry or, if they are applying to be a franchisee, experience as or interest in being an entrepreneur.
For an interview with the company, applicants should be ready to discuss their past experience in the restaurant industry and why they are interested in continuing their restaurant career with the company. They should be able to tell a few anecdotes of working efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
Facts About Firehouse Subs
People like working at the restaurant because it is a rapidly growing company that offers opportunities for individual growth through its franchisee owned restaurants. Employees enjoy discounts on menu items as well.
This year, the company has donated over $100k of equipment to first responders. They are also continuing to expand in Canada, especially in Ontario.
They are known for being a casual fast food chain that serves a variety of subs and meal combinations. They are also known for their mission surrounding public safety and community support.
The company’s founders, Chris and Robin, founded the Firehouse Public Safety Foundation in 2005 after visiting Mississippi in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The foundation provides funds, equipment and educational opportunities to first responders and public safety organizers. As of 2018, the foundation has given over $35 million. All crew members are expected to support the mission of the foundation.
Application Links
Company: https://www.firehousesubs.com/
Careers: https://www.firehousesubs.com/careers/
Application: N/A, position specific