Cost to Start a Firehouse Subs Franchise in 2026

Firehouse Subs franchise startup costs run $124K–$867K for a fast-casual sub concept with 1,200+ locations and a firefighter-heritage brand story that commands strong guest loyalty and above-average unit volumes.

Key takeaways

Total estimated startup cost: $124,000–$867,000 (fast-casual sub)
Franchise fee: $20,000
Ongoing royalty: 6%; advertising fund: 3.5%
1,200+ locations across North America; owned by Restaurant Brands International (RBI)
Listed on the SBA Franchise Directory — eligible for expedited SBA loan processing

Firehouse Subs is a fast-casual sub franchise founded in Jacksonville, Florida in 1994 by former firefighters Chris and Robin Sorensen. The brand is owned by Restaurant Brands International (RBI), which also operates Burger King, Tim Hortons, and Popeyes. Firehouse Subs operates 1,200+ locations across the U.S. and Canada. The brand's firefighter heritage story, hot sub differentiation (steamed meats and cheeses), and public safety charitable program (Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation) drive brand affinity and above-average AUV relative to its price point.

Total startup cost breakdown

Per the current FDD filed under the FTC Franchise Rule (16 CFR Part 436), total estimated initial investment for a Firehouse Subs franchise runs $124,000–$867,000. The wide range reflects inline strip-center builds at the lower end versus end-cap or non-traditional formats at the higher end:

Franchise fee: $20,000
Leasehold improvements and build-out: $60,000–$400,000
Equipment and fixtures: $30,000–$200,000
Signage: $5,000–$30,000
POS and technology: $10,000–$25,000
Initial inventory and supplies: $5,000–$15,000
Training and travel: $5,000–$20,000
Grand opening marketing: $5,000–$15,000
Working capital (3 months): $20,000–$60,000
Professional fees, permits, insurance: $10,000–$30,000
Miscellaneous pre-opening costs: $5,000–$20,000

Ongoing fees

Firehouse Subs charges a 6% royalty on gross sales and a 3.5% advertising fund contribution, for a combined 9.5% ongoing fee load. The advertising fund supports national media, digital marketing, and the brand's public safety community programs. Technology and point-of-sale system fees apply separately.

Financing options

Firehouse Subs is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory, qualifying franchisees for expedited SBA loan processing. Financing paths:

SBA 7(a) loan: Covers franchise fee, leasehold improvements, equipment, and working capital. The $124K–$867K range fits well within SBA 7(a) program limits.
SBA Microloan: For lower-end builds ($124K–$200K range), the SBA Microloan Program (up to $50K) via nonprofit intermediaries can supplement equity and reduce 7(a) loan size.
Equipment financing: Commercial kitchen and sub-prep equipment can be financed separately over 5–7 years.
Working capital line of credit: Covers initial food cost, supplies, and the first 60–90 days of operations.
Conventional commercial loan: Operators with prior franchise experience and strong balance sheets may access conventional bank financing.

Realistic ROI timeline

Fast-casual sub concepts at the $124K–$867K investment range typically target break-even within 18–36 months. Firehouse Subs' above-average AUV performance — driven by brand loyalty and hot sub differentiation — supports faster ramp-up in markets where the brand has established awareness. Operators in suburban and suburban-adjacent markets with strong lunch traffic and limited hot sub competition tend to reach break-even on the lower end of the range.

Who's a good fit

Firehouse Subs suits operators who want a lower entry-cost fast-casual franchise backed by a large QSR parent (RBI) without the full-service complexity. The brand does not require prior restaurant experience, though operators with food service or retail management backgrounds ramp faster. RBI's infrastructure provides supply chain, technology, and marketing support. Net worth of $150K+ and liquid capital of $50K+ are typical financial benchmarks for single-unit applicants.

What lenders look for in a Firehouse Subs franchise application

SBA-approved lenders evaluate Firehouse Subs applications against five underwriting criteria sourced from SBA SOP 50 10 7:

9.5% combined fee load — highest in fast-casual subs — 6% royalty + 3.5% advertising fund; lenders stress-test DSCR adding 9.5% to COGS and labor; sub-format concepts require consistent lunch traffic density to sustain DSCR ≥ 1.25× after full fee load at conservative FDD Item 19 AUV
RBI parent brand as lender confidence signal — Restaurant Brands International (Burger King, Tim Hortons, Popeyes) as franchisor signals brand stability and operational infrastructure; lenders treat RBI-backed concepts as lower brand-risk vs. independent franchisors; franchisee operator risk remains the primary underwriting focus
Wide investment range — format-specific underwriting — the $124K–$867K range reflects inline strip-center vs. end-cap and non-traditional formats; lenders underwrite format-specifically; end-cap and higher-investment builds require executed lease and site plan approval before SBA close
SBA Express option for lower-end builds — inline strip-center builds in the $124K–$300K range may qualify for SBA Express (up to $500K, streamlined processing); equipment and leasehold can be financed within SBA Express limits, reducing approval timeline vs. standard 7(a)
Lower liquidity threshold vs. other RBI concepts — $150K+ net worth and $50K+ liquid capital requirements are more accessible than Burger King or Popeyes; lenders verify that stated liquidity is not fully consumed by equity injection and that adequate working capital reserve remains post-close

Deal structure tip

SBA 7(a) covers the full investment range from strip-center to end-cap formats. For builds under $300K, request SBA Express for faster approval — the streamlined process matches the lower capital requirement. The 9.5% combined fee load is the primary DSCR stress point; model your pro forma at conservative AUV using the Firehouse Subs FDD Item 19 data before committing to lease terms.

Apply for franchise financing

ClearValue Lending works with fast-casual sub and QSR franchise operators on SBA, equipment, and working capital financing. Apply for franchise financing at Find my match. Your file routes to one matched lender.

Sources

Firehouse Subs is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory, qualifying franchisees for expedited SBA loan eligibility. — SBA Franchise Directory
SBA 7(a) loans finance fast-casual franchise startups including leasehold improvements, equipment, and working capital up to program limits. — SBA 7(a) Loan Program
All franchise cost and fee disclosures are governed by the FTC Franchise Rule requiring a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) be delivered at least 14 days before signing. — FTC Franchise Rule — 16 CFR Part 436
FDIC community banking data indicates that SBA-backed lending remains a primary financing channel for franchise restaurant startups under $1M in total investment. — FDIC Community Banking Report

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Firehouse Subs franchise cost in 2026?

Per the current FDD, total estimated initial investment runs $124,000–$867,000. Inline strip-center builds represent the lower end of the range; end-cap or non-traditional formats are higher. The $20,000 franchise fee, leasehold improvements, and equipment are the primary cost drivers.

Who owns Firehouse Subs?

Firehouse Subs is owned by Restaurant Brands International (RBI), the same parent company that operates Burger King, Tim Hortons, and Popeyes. RBI acquired Firehouse Subs in 2021.

What is the Firehouse Subs royalty rate?

Firehouse Subs charges a 6% royalty on gross sales plus a 3.5% advertising fund contribution, for a combined 9.5% of gross sales.

Can I finance a Firehouse Subs franchise with an SBA loan?

Yes. Firehouse Subs is on the SBA Franchise Directory. SBA 7(a) is the primary financing channel for leased locations. The lower end of the investment range ($124K–$200K) may qualify for SBA Microloan supplementation. Equipment can be financed separately.

Does Firehouse Subs require prior restaurant experience?

Firehouse Subs does not require prior restaurant ownership experience. Operators with food service, retail management, or general business operations backgrounds are considered. RBI's infrastructure supports new operators through training, supply chain, and ongoing field support.

What DSCR do lenders require for a Firehouse Subs franchise loan?

SBA lenders require a minimum DSCR of 1.25× after all operating costs, royalties, and debt service. The 9.5% combined royalty + advertising fund is the highest in the fast-casual sub segment and is the primary DSCR stress point. Lenders model DSCR using FDD Item 19 AUV benchmarks, not applicant-only projections.

How much equity do I need for a Firehouse Subs SBA loan?

SBA lenders typically require 20–25% equity injection for franchise restaurant startups. At $124K–$867K, that translates to $25K–$217K. The lower equity threshold vs. larger QSR builds makes Firehouse Subs more accessible to first-time franchise borrowers. ROBS can be used for the equity injection if the applicant has qualified retirement account assets.