How many FIREHOUSE SUBS RESTAURANTS (UNIT) franchise locations are there?

As of the 2026 FDD, FIREHOUSE SUBS RESTAURANTS (UNIT) has 1,249 franchise locations. The company has been franchising since 1995.

Can you get an SBA loan for a FIREHOUSE SUBS RESTAURANTS (UNIT) franchise?

Yes, SBA loans are available for FIREHOUSE SUBS RESTAURANTS (UNIT) franchises. Historical data shows 598 SBA 7(a) loans have been approved for FIREHOUSE SUBS RESTAURANTS (UNIT) franchisees, with an average loan amount of $319,137. The historical default rate is 5.3%.

Is FIREHOUSE SUBS RESTAURANTS (UNIT) a good franchise to buy?

FIREHOUSE SUBS RESTAURANTS (UNIT) shows several positive indicators: established brand with 1,249+ locations, low SBA loan default rate. However, franchise success depends on many factors including location, local market conditions, and owner involvement. We recommend speaking with existing franchisees and consulting with a franchise attorney before making a decision.

FIREHOUSE SUBS RESTAURANTS (UNIT)

FDD Year:

Firehouse Subs is a fast-casual restaurant franchise specializing in large-portion hot submarine-style sandwiches served in a unique fire-fighting themed atmosphere and decor at economical prices. Franchisees operate under the standardized FIREHOUSE SUBS® system, including specific marks, menus, recipes, procedures, and trade dress. The business targets the general public for on-site consumption, carry-out, catering, and delivery services, competing with other quick-service and casual dining options.

1,249

Locations

$405K–$1578K

Investment

Since 1995

Franchising

Food & BeverageJacksonville, FLRestaurant Brands International Inc.www.firehousesubs.comDisclaimer

Franchise Costs

Franchise Fee

$20,000

Item 5 of FDD

Initial Investment Range

$405,350 – $1,577,750

Low: $405,350High: $1,577,750

Item 7 of FDD

Royalty Rate

6.00%

of gross sales

Brand Fund

5.00%

Item 6 of FDD

Fixed Monthly Fees

$250 – $250

Item 6 of FDD

6% royalty + 5% system fund + $150/mo digital technology fee + $1,200/yr ($100/mo) MIS fee

How FIREHOUSE SUBS RESTAURANTS (UNIT) Compares

Key Insights

#3 largest franchise system in Fast Casual
Lower than average SBA loan default rate in Fast Casual

Franchise	Investment	Fee	Royalty	Locations
FIREHOUSE SUBS RESTAURANTS (UNIT) Current	$405K – $1.6M	$20K	6.0%	1,249
Tropical Smoothie Cafe	$300K – $721K	$35K	6.0%	1,371
TROPICAL SMOOTHIE CAFÉ	$300K – $721K	$35K	6.0%	1,371
Zaxby's	$1.4M – $3.8M	$35K	6.0%	826
Qdoba	$548K – $1.3M	$40K	5.0%	652
CHICK-FIL-A License Program	$586K – $3.3M	N/A	10.0%	412
Fast Casual Average 107 franchises	$532K – $1.2M	$39K	5.6%	–

* Comparison based on latest FDD filings. Investment ranges from Item 7, fees from Item 5. Showing top 5 of 107 Fast Casual franchises by location count.

Locations & Growth

Outlet Growth Over Time

Total outlets at end of each year

Geographic Distribution (2025)

Outlets by state across the United States

Top States

1FL

147

2TX

142

3GA

4NC

5SC

6TN

7VA

8CA

9AL

10AZ

11OH

12CO

13MO

14MI

15LA

+37 more states

SBA Loan History

Historical SBA 7(a) loan data for FIREHOUSE SUBS RESTAURANTS (UNIT) franchisees (2010 – 2025)

Total Loans

598

Average Loan

$319,137

Total Volume

$190.8M

Default Rate

5.3%

Loans by Year

SBA 7(a) loan activity over time

* Data sourced from SBA 7(a) FOIA loan records. Default rate calculated from charged-off loans.

Franchisee Contacts

1,203 franchisee contacts on file from official FDD filings.

Name	Address	Phone	Email	SBA Loan
John Smith ABC Franchise LLC	123 Main St Anytown, CA 90210	(555) 123-4567	john@example.com	$350,000 2023 · Active
John Smith ABC Franchise LLC	123 Main St Anytown, CA 90210	(555) 123-4567	john@example.com	$350,000 2023 · Active
John Smith ABC Franchise LLC	123 Main St Anytown, CA 90210	(555) 123-4567	john@example.com	$350,000 2023 · Active
John Smith ABC Franchise LLC	123 Main St Anytown, CA 90210	(555) 123-4567	john@example.com	$350,000 2023 · Active
John Smith ABC Franchise LLC	123 Main St Anytown, CA 90210	(555) 123-4567	john@example.com	$350,000 2023 · Active

1,203 Contacts Available

Unlock all FIREHOUSE SUBS RESTAURANTS (UNIT) franchisee contacts with verified contact information

Due Diligence

Litigation (Item 3)

Franchisee Cases0

No litigation involving franchisees reported

Bankruptcy (Item 4)

Bankruptcy HistoryNo

No bankruptcy history reported

System Health (Item 20)

Franchise system changes reported in the most recent fiscal year

Terminations

Non-Renewals

Reacquired

Ceased Ops

Transfers

Sold to Franchisees

Projected New

105

Frequently Asked Questions

The total initial investment to open a FIREHOUSE SUBS RESTAURANTS (UNIT) franchise ranges from $405,350 to $1,577,750. This includes a franchise fee of $20,000. Ongoing royalty fees are 6.0% of gross sales.