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The next best thing since sliced bread has just landed Down Under. Iconic US sandwich chain Firehouse Subs has officially opened its first Aussie store in Brisbane, with more than 100 people lining up to try its legendary steamed-meat sandos. It joins a wave of American fast-food chains debuting in Australia in recent months – including Wendy’s, Wingstop and Chuck E Cheese – and plans to take on Subway by opening 165 stores over the next ten years.
Founded in Florida by two firefighter brothers, Firehouse Subs has more than 1,300 restaurants across the US, Canada, Switzerland, the UAE, Brazil and more. Now, it's ready to turn up the heat in Australia. Retail Food Group – the country’s largest multi-brand retail food franchise owner – is behind the local launch, adding the sandwich giant to its portfolio of beloved brands that already includes Crust Gourmet Pizza, Donut King, Brumby’s Bakery and Gloria Jean’s.
Brisbane is the lucky first stop for the US giant, with its debut store officially opening on July 2 at Westfield Mt Gravatt. So, how does it stack up against Subway? Firehouse’s signature sandwiches feature premium brisket, pastrami and steak sliced in-house and steamed to lock in moisture and maximise flavour. The fillings are incredibly generous, with sandwiches available in regular and large sizes, and prices ranging from $6 to $20.
Firehouse Subs tailored its US menu for Aussies with more chicken, more spice and lower-sugar options. During the Brisbane soft-launch, the signature brisket and cheddar sub emerged as the crowd favourite, featuring ten-hour slow-cooked beef topped with melted cheese, barbecue sauce and mayo on a toasted roll. The steak and cheese and NY-style pastrami subs rounded out the top three best-sellers, with other menu hits including spicy Cajun chicken, pulled pork, peri peri chicken, and honey ham and turkey.
Firehouse Subs aims to open 165 stores in Australia over the next decade, proving they are officially on a roll!