How Much Does a Firehouse Subs Franchise Cost?
Total investment: $343,245 to $976,700. Here is the complete breakdown of fees, requirements, and what to expect as a Firehouse Subs franchisee.
Firehouse Subs Franchise at a Glance
Firehouse Subs Franchise Overview
Firehouse Subs is a fast-casual sandwich chain founded by two former firefighters, known for its hearty hot subs, commitment to first responder communities, and a strong public safety foundation. Acquired by Restaurant Brands International in 2021, the brand has scaled to over 1,200 locations across the U.S. and Canada with plans for international expansion. The concept offers a lower-cost entry point compared to many QSR franchises, making it accessible to first-time franchisees.
Firehouse Subs Investment Breakdown
Detailed cost breakdown based on current Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) estimates.
| Cost Category | Low Estimate | High Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $20,000 | $20,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $150,000 | $550,000 |
| Equipment & Fixtures | $127,000 | $180,000 |
| Signs | $6,000 | $20,000 |
| Opening Inventory | $6,000 | $15,000 |
| Training & Pre-Opening | $9,000 | $22,000 |
| Working Capital (3 months) | $10,000 | $110,000 |
| Total Estimated Investment | $343,245 | $976,700 |
Estimates based on publicly available FDD data. Actual costs vary by location, real estate market, and construction costs. Always review the current FDD Item 7 for exact figures.
Ongoing Fees and Royalties
What you will pay Firehouse Subs on a recurring basis after opening.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Royalty Fee | 6% of gross sales |
| System Fund Contribution | 5% of gross sales |
| MIS System Fee | Approximately $100/month |
| Digital Technology Fee | Varies |
Estimated Annual Fee Impact
Based on the estimated average unit revenue of $962,000:
Pros and Cons of a Firehouse Subs Franchise
Advantages
- +Low initial investment ($343K-$977K) compared to most QSR concepts
- +Strong brand identity tied to community service and first responders
- +Part of Restaurant Brands International portfolio alongside Burger King and Popeyes
- +Scalable inline format with smaller real estate requirements
- +Attractive to first-time franchisees with lower financial barriers
Considerations
- -Average unit volume (~$962K) is lower than many burger-focused QSR peers
- -Combined 11% ongoing fee rate (6% royalty + 5% ad fund) is above average
- -Limited menu variety compared to full-service sandwich competitors
- -Competitive sandwich segment with Subway, Jersey Mike's, and Jimmy John's
- -Moderate brand awareness outside the Southeast U.S.
Who Is the Ideal Firehouse Subs Franchisee?
Firehouse Subs targets owner-operators who are passionate about community involvement and hands-on restaurant management. With a lower cash requirement ($100K liquid) and investment range, the brand is well suited for first-time franchisees, veterans, and first responders who want to own and operate their own restaurant. Multi-unit development opportunities are also available.
Minimum Requirements Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to open a Firehouse Subs franchise?
The total investment to open a Firehouse Subs franchise ranges from $343,245 to $976,700, including the $20,000 franchise fee, construction, equipment, inventory, training, and working capital. Exact costs depend on location, format, and local market conditions.
What is the Firehouse Subs royalty fee?
Firehouse Subs charges a 6% royalty on gross sales plus a 5% advertising fee, for a combined ongoing fee of 11% of gross sales.
How much does a Firehouse Subs franchise make per year?
The estimated average unit revenue for a Firehouse Subs location is approximately $962,000 per year. Actual performance varies by location, management, and market conditions. Revenue does not equal profit - operators must account for food costs, labor, rent, royalties, and other operating expenses.
How long is the Firehouse Subs franchise agreement?
The standard Firehouse Subs franchise agreement is 20 years. Renewal terms: 50% of current franchise fee.
How many Firehouse Subs locations are there?
Firehouse Subs operates approximately 1,209 locations worldwide, including 1,170 in the United States. Approximately 97% of locations are franchised.
Compare Firehouse Subs with Other Franchises
See how Firehouse Subs stacks up against similar QSR franchise opportunities.
| Brand | Franchise Fee | Total Investment | Royalty + Ad Fees | Est. Revenue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firehouse Subs | $20,000 | $343,245 - $976,700 | 11% | $962,000 |
| Jimmy John's | $35,000 | $330,000 - $558,000 | 10.5% | $1M |
| Arby's | $37,500 | $400,000 - $2.1M | 8.2% | $1.2M |
| Jersey Mike's | $18,500 | $200,000 - $780,000 | 9.5% | $1.3M |
| Subway | $15,000 | $116,000 - $263,000 | 12.5% | $480,000 |
| Popeyes | $50,000 | $383,000 - $2.6M | 9% | $1.7M |
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