Business is Blazing at Firehouse Subs

So how does Strongsville like its first Firehouse Subs? Very well, it seems.

"It's been great," said franchise owner Matthew Mikola. "People are happy we're here."

How happy?

"We've had some people come in every single day since we opened and try a different sub each day," Mikola said.

The area's first Firehouse Subs opened Nov. 9 at 17250 Royalton Rd., in the former Borders plaza. 

Mikola said fans who have had the subs in other states "found us right away," and the staff is now introducing Strongsville-area residents to the sandwiches.

The restaurant is known for steaming its premium meats and cheeses, piling them on toasted sub rolls and serving them “Fully Involved®” with fresh produce.

The authentic firehouse setting is based on the founding family’s 200 years of firefighting heritage, and the new location is decorated with local firefighter memorabilia donated by the Strongsville Fire Department.

Check out the one-of-a-kind mural on the wall and you'll see Strongsville's clock tower and a glimpse of a 1948 fire truck the fire department has acquired and is restoring.

"I want to be a part of restoring it," Mikola said.

Here's a little about the restaurant:

• Kids will love the Coca-Cola Freestyle® fountain, offering 120-plus sparkling and still beverage brands. The unit is touch-screen operated with regular and low-calorie beverage brands, many exclusive to Coca-Cola Freestyle. Guests choose from endless possibilities, including Cherry Lime-Aid®, an original recipe served with fresh squeezed lime.

• The menu includes toasted subs made with a half-pound of meat, like the Hook & Ladder and New York Steamer.

• The restaurant is open Sunday-Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday-Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. 

• Firehouse Subs, founded in Jacksonville, Fla., by former firefighting brothers Chris Sorensen and Robin Sorensen, is a 552-unit fast casual restaurant chain. 

• In 2005, Firehouse Subs created the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation with the mission of providing funding, life-saving equipment and educational opportunities to first-responders and public safety organizations. The comapny has given $5.2 million to hometown heroes in 33 states and Puerto Rico.

One way the restaurant raises money is by selling the plastic buckets pickles come in for $2.  

 • You can find out more at firehousesubs.com, facebook.com/firehousesubs or on Twitter at @firehousesubs and @savinglives.