News

Firehouse ends year with solid growth

February 7, 2014

Firehouse Subs reported today that 2013 was a record-breaking year for the Florida-based chain, which opened 155 new restaurants and added 111 new franchisees, ending 2013 with 722 restaurants.

The company opened restaurants in four new states — Maine, Idaho, Wisconsin, and Washington — bringing the total to 38 states. Firehouse continues to be one of the restaurant industry's fastest growing brands, with 250 new franchisees since January 2012, according to a company press release.

"Maintaining our No. 1 ranking in so many key areas of the business, even during a period of rapid growth, is a direct result of the hard work and dedication of our franchise community and headquarters team," Don Fox, chief executive officer of Firehouse of America, said in the release.

Profits weren't the only thing up at Firehouse, however. Reaching 21 million people through 160 donations, the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation donated more than $2.2 million of equipment and resources to first responders and public safety organizations in 2013, Fox said.

Thanks to the generosity of loyal guests, the Firehouse Subs franchise community, and the Foundation's largest benefactors, co-founders Chris Sorensen and Robin Sorensen, the release added, $8.3 million has been awarded since the Foundation's inception in 2005. Thermal imaging cameras, bunker gear, automated external defibrillators, patrol vehicles, bike safety materials and body armor, among other items, were donated last year. Additionally, the Foundation responded to wildfires in Arizona, Colorado and California, and to the tornado aftermath in Oklahoma, feeding disaster victims and first responders and donating items such as severe weather trailers, all-terrain vehicles and rescue packs.

Firehouse Restaurant Group, the parent company, continues robust employment, according to the release. The year ended with 75 staff to support the franchise system, including 18 team members receiving managerial level or above promotions. Specifically, the leadership team grew to include Greg Delks as vice president of franchise development, Rich Goodman as vice president of operations services, John Namey as vice president of real estate services, Cecily Sorensen as vice president of corporate communications, Kristen Majdanics as senior director of brand marketing and John Raulerson as senior director of technical services.

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