A fast-casual hot sandwich chain is looking to strengthen its development pipeline through franchising.
Firehouse Subs is launching its new Development Incentive Programs designed to set new and existing franchisees up for long-term growth. Available now through 2028, the new incentives reward qualified franchisees who are ready to grow with Firehouse Subs, offering $75,000 for those who commit to building one restaurant and $100,000 per restaurant for franchisees who develop two or more restaurants.
“Our brand’s development incentive program is truly unique and was specifically created to grow with the best franchisees,” said Mike Hancock, president of the brand. “Firehouse Subs has real momentum with some of our strongest new restaurant growth numbers in years, and we’re just getting started. If you’re an experienced operator looking for a brand that’s going to put real money behind your success, this is it. We’re excited to build something big together.”
Earlier this year, Restaurant Brands International (RBI), the parent company of Burger King, Tim Hortons, Popeyes and Firehouse Subs, outlined plans to open approximately 1,800 net new restaurants per year by 2028. Outside of Burger King China, the company says its net restaurant growth has averaged 4.0% over the past five years.
To support strategic and sustainable expansion across North America, Firehouse of America, LLC (“Firehouse”), the franchisor of the Firehouse Subs brand, has introduced the following new Development Incentive Programs:
- 10 in 2 Incentive: $100,000 per restaurant opening for franchisees who develop at least 10 restaurants during 2027 and 2028, plus a potential $500,000 achievement bonus incentive following the 10th opening.
- Grow A-Gain Incentive: $150,000 per restaurant opening for operators who have a grade of “A” under Firehouse’s current operational metrics, who have not opened a location in five or more years and develop at least two new restaurants by Dec. 31, 2028.
- Accelerated Market Incentive: $150,000 per restaurant opening, plus a three-year, 2% royalty rate reduction for franchisees who develop at least three restaurants in “priority” markets, including New York City; Los Angeles; Chicago; Boston; Philadelphia; Seattle; Washington D.C.; Minneapolis; San Diego; Detroit; Indianapolis; and Providence, R.I.
“There’s meaningful whitespace for Firehouse Sub, and these incentives are designed to help the right franchisees move quickly to capture it,” said Kelly Crummer, senior director of franchising for Firehouse Subs.
Founded in Jacksonville, Fla., in 1994, Firehouse Subs operates more than 1,400 locations worldwide. RBI operates approximately 32,000 restaurants in more than 120 countries and territories.
