Our Franchise Process

Become A Franchisee In Seven Steps

Complete Request for Info Form

Kick things off by filling out our quick online request form—or give us a call to request a hard copy. We keep it short and simple, asking only for the essentials to get started.

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Talk to our Development Team

After you submit the form, we’ll typically reach out within two business days—by phone, text, or email—to schedule a brief introductory call. During the chat, we’ll learn about your goals and background, answer your questions, and walk you through what to expect as you explore becoming a Firehouse Subs franchisee.

If you don’t hear from us within two business days, feel free to resubmit the form—we want to make sure we connect with you!

Red icon of a telephone handset, symbolizing a call with the Business Development team.

Review Our Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)

Once we’ve had our initial conversations, you’ll receive a copy of our FDD to review. The FDD contains information about our business model so that you can determine whether becoming a Firehouse Subs franchisee is the right choice for you.

You’ll also be invited to a one-hour Q&A session with our team, where we’ll answer additional questions you may have.

Red icon of stacked documents with a checkmark in a circle, symbolizing review and approval of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Complete Our Application & Background Check

After reviewing the FDD, you’ll receive a secure link to submit your full franchise application and complete a background check.

Once both are successfully completed, we’ll work with you to define a proposed territory for your Development Agreement—this is the area where you’ll search for real estate and eventually open your Firehouse Subs restaurants.

Red icon of a completed application form with a photo ID and a pencil, symbolizing the franchise application and background check process.

Leadership Interviews

This is your time to shine. You’ll take part in two interviews—one with a member of our Leadership Team and another with an Operations Leader who will help support your success as a franchisee.

You’ve already shared your story with our Business Development team. Now’s your chance to share your vision and passion with the people who help shape the Firehouse Subs family.

Red icon of two people seated and talking, with a speech bubble above them, symbolizing a leadership interview or conversation.

Attend Discovery Day

Before final approval, we invite candidates to our Restaurant Support Center in Jacksonville, FL for Discovery Day—a once-a-month, in-person experience to meet the team and see Firehouse Subs up close.

Here’s what you can expect:

  • Hear from our Leadership Team about the support we provide to franchisees
  • Tour corporate-owned restaurants and preview new innovations
  • Connect with other prospective franchisees on a similar journey
  • Ask questions directly to our franchise support leaders
Red icon of the state of Florida with a location pin above a building, representing Firehouse Subs' Discovery Day at their Jacksonville, FL support center.

Sign Your Development Agreement!

This is the official green light! Signing your Development Agreement marks the start of your journey to opening a Firehouse Subs restaurant. It locks in your approved territory and sets the stage for securing real estate, building your store, and completing training.

Once you’re ready, you’ll open your doors and proudly serve your first guests—with a hearty “10–12, Welcome to Firehouse!”

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Non-Traditional Categories

  • Airports
  • Amusement Parks
  • C-Stores
  • Casinos
  • Government Buildings
  • Grocery Stores
  • Hospitals
  • Hotels
  • Malls
  • Mass Transit Stations
  • Military Installations
  • Movie Theaters
  • National & State Parks
  • Schools
  • Sporting Venues
  • Travel Centers

Current Non-Traditional Locations

Airports

  • Grand Rapids, MI (GRR)
  • Jacksonville, FL (JAX)
  • Minneapolis St-Paul, MN (MSP)
  • Newark, NJ (EWR)
  • Orlando, FL (MCO)
  • San Jose, CA (SJC)

Schools

  • Creighton University, Omaha, NE
  • Delta State University, Cleveland, MS
  • Florida Institute of Technology Melbourne, FL
  • Grambling State University, LA
  • Minnesota State University Mankato, MN
  • Montana State University, Bozeman, MT
  • Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN
  • University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
  • University of Idaho, Moscow, ID
  • University of Texas Dallas, TX

Malls

  • Arizona Mills, Tempe, AZ
  • Beaver Valley Mall, Monaca, PA
  • Concord Mills, Concord, NC
  • Houston Galleria, Houston, TX
  • Millenia Mall, Orlando, FL
  • Nexcom, Norfolk, VA
  • Peachtree Center Mall, Atlanta, GA
  • Potomac Mall, Woodbridge, VA
  • Sawgrass Mall, Sunrise, FL
  • Southpark Mall, Colonial Heights, VA
  • Universal CityWalk Hollywood, Universal City, CA
  • Wheaton Mall, Wheaton, MD

Hospitals

  • Baptist Downtown Medical Center Jacksonville, FL
  • McLeod Health Center Florence, SC
  • Roper Hospital, Charleston, SC

Let's Get Started!

We want to hear from you! To start a conversation, simply fill out our easy online application. A member of our franchising team will be in touch with more information about becoming a member of the Firehouse Subs family.

Get Started

The information contained on this website does not constitute an offer to sell a franchise. An offer to sell a franchise can only be made through delivery of a Franchise Disclosure Document. None of the communications made through this website should be construed as an offer to sell a franchise.