Firehouse Subs^® stands out for its bold flavors, loyal guest following, and mission-driven culture. We're more than a sandwich franchise — we're a purpose-driven brand committed to supporting first responders and local communities through the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation^®.

In addition to our quality food and community impact, Firehouse Subs offers a relatively low barrier to entry compared to other national restaurant franchises, with a minimum liquid capital requirement of just $150,000.

For entrepreneurs looking to make a difference while building a strong, scalable business, Firehouse Subs offers something truly distinctive.

Discover what sets us apart!

To become a Firehouse Subs franchisee, you’ll need a strong business mindset, a commitment to our brand values, and the financial qualifications to get started. While prior restaurant experience is helpful, it’s not required — we provide the training and support to help you succeed.

Minimum requirements include:

• $150,000 in available liquid capital
• A net worth of at least $300,000
• At least one partner must be actively involved in day-to-day operations — known as the managing owner, who holds at least 10% equity and lives near the franchise location.

If you are not the managing owner, you can still keep your current job while owning a Firehouse Subs franchise. Our equity requirements help ensure that whoever oversees the business daily has a meaningful stake in its success.

We’re looking for owners who are hardworking, community-focused, and aligned with our mission — including strong support for the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. If that sounds like you, we’d love to start the conversation.

The initial franchise fee for a single-unit Firehouse Subs restaurant is $20,000. You'll need at least $150,000 in minimum available capital. Total startup costs vary depending on your chosen format.

• In-line Traditional Restaurants: $379,650–$795,600
• In-line End Caps with Drive Thru: $549,650–$1,038,100
• Free-Standing Restaurants with Drive Thru: $705,650–$1,396,100

For full details, please refer to our Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).⁵

⁵ Please see our 2025 U.S. Franchise Disclosure Document, Item 7 for further details. All figures are represented in USD.

Franchisees pay a 6% royalty fee on gross sales, along with a 5% contribution to national and local marketing funds. These ongoing fees support brand growth, advertising, and continued franchise system development.

Additional recurring costs — such as technology — are outlined in our Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).⁵

⁵ Please see our 2025 U.S. Franchise Disclosure Document, Item 6 for further details.

We have franchise growth opportunities across all 50 U.S. states and select Canadian provinces and territories. Our team will help you identify available markets based on demand and site availability.

To open a Firehouse Subs, you’ll enter into a Development Agreement, which grants you the right to build in a defined territory. We’ll work with you to establish that territory and support your real estate and construction process from start to finish.

Many franchisees open their Firehouse Subs restaurant within 9 to 18 months of their initial inquiry.
The exact timeline depends on several factors, including site availability, permitting, and training completion.

Yes! Many of our franchisees are multi-unit owners. If you're looking to grow your investment, we offer development opportunities for qualified candidates — including potential incentives for committing to multiple Firehouse Subs locations through a Development Agreement.

Please note that any incentives offered are subject to eligibility requirements and may change from time-to-time.

Staffing needs will vary based on your restaurant’s size, sales volume, and the mix of full-time and part-time employees.

Because every restaurant is different, we recommend visiting nearby Firehouse Subs^® locations and speaking with current franchisees to better understand their staffing models.

Each day varies, but most managing owners are involved in overseeing staffing, customer service, community engagement, and overall store performance. Whether you're actively running the day-to-day or partnering with a managing owner, our support systems are built to fit your goals and ownership structure.

Franchisees receive full support from day one — including real estate guidance, build-out assistance, operations training, and marketing resources. New owners also complete 6-7 weeks of initial training to prepare for opening day.

You’ll benefit from:

• Ongoing training
• One-on-one support from our Field Operations team
• Access to national and local marketing tools
• Business coaching to help you grow confidently

Visit our support section to learn more about our support offered.

To get started, simply fill out the online franchise inquiry form here or click the "Get Started" button at the top of this page. Once we receive your submission, a member of our team will reach out to guide you through the next steps in the Firehouse Subs franchise process.

Once you submit the franchise inquiry form, we’ll review your information promptly. If it looks like a good fit, a member of our team will reach out to schedule an introductory call — usually within two business days. From there, we’ll guide you step-by-step through the next phase of the process.