New Sandwich Shop to Open

The first Firehouse Subs in the area is tentatively expected to open Nov. 10 in the former Borders Plaza on Royalton Road.

The sandwich shop, which is new to the Cleveland area, is also opening at 6232 Mayfield Rd. in Mayfield Heights.

Matthew Mikola, franchise owner, said renovation is going well at the store and he is hoping to start serving hot and cold subs on Saturday, Nov. 10.

Firehouse Subs will take over the spot vacated by The Steak Escape at 17200 Royalton Rd.

There are also Ohio locations in Columbus, Toledo and Cincinnati.

The restaurant will have more than 70 seats and will offer catering.

There are still job openings at the Strongsville store. Mikola said he has about two-thirds of his staff hired, but could use another eight to 10 people for day or evening shifts.

The chain was started by a pair of firefighter brothers in Florida 18 years ago and how has more than 550 restaurants in 32 states and Puerto Rico.

The menu boasts hot and cold subs, with specialties like the Hook & Ladder (smoked turkey, honey ham and melted Monterey jack) and the Engineer (turkey, melted swiss and sauteed mushrooms). 

You can get the sandwiches "Fully Involved," which means topped with mayo, mustard, lettuce, onion and tomato.

Sides include soup, chips, cookies and brownies.

The restaurant is part of a rebirth for the plaza, which will get a new anchor next year when Earth Fare takes over the former Borders store.

Mikola, a Kent State University grad who lives in Stow, explored several local communities for his franchise, but knew he'd found a winner when he saw the Strongsville site.

"We've got a great anchor store and a great area," he said. 

Mikola said he's not worried about introducing an unfamilar brand into the area.

"The food carries it," he said. "Once somebody tries it, they'll be back on a weekly basis."