Firehouse Subs offers food, service and public safety
An interview with Samuel D. Stanovich, area representative with Firehouse Subs.
Q: Tell us about Firehouse Subs.
A: Firehouse Subs is a fast casual restaurant chain with a passion for hearty and flavorful food, heartfelt service and public safety. Founded in 1994 by brothers and former firefighters Chris and Robin Sorensen, Firehouse Subs is a brand built on decades of fire and police service, hot subs, steamed and piled higher with quality meats and cheese and its commitment to saving lives through the establishment of the nonprofit Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation.
Q: What's unique about the company?
A: Firehouse Subs is known for its delicious food, but also its commitment to serving the local community and first responders through the nonprofit Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. Since its inception in 2005, the foundation has donated more than $28 million to the public safety organizations is 46 states, Puerto Rico and Canada. In Illinois, the Foundation has given more than $793,400 to support the purchase of lifesaving equipment for first responders across the state. In August we made donations to several Illinois Fire Department totaling almost $50,000.
Q: How does Firehouse Subs cater to corporate meetings and events?
A: We are a one stop resource for all events. We provide food service solutions for meetings, events, home parties or just a group of friends getting together for a meal. Because of our flexibility we can serve both hot and cold. In addition to signature subs, the restaurant offers a variety of catering options from sandwich and dessert platters to salads and snacks.
Q: What are people in the industry talking about?
A: The restaurant industry is struggling in todays economy. Industry wide we have seen a reduction in transaction, low unemployment which puts pressure on staffing and the rising costs whether the limits of available real estate and operation costs.
Q: Tell us a little about yourself.
A: Most importantly is the love and support I have for my family; including my wife and high school sweetheart, Carmia. We have two kids and a dog. I have been in the hospitality industry my entire career - from my education at Johnson and Wales University through today.
I have had some interesting twists and turns including leading the Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Bureau and servicing the hospitality industry working at the National Restaurant Association.
Q: Tell us one interesting fact about Firehouse Subs.
A: Each Firehouse Subs restaurant offers an assortment of 50+ complimentary hot sauces, including Captain Sorensen's Datil Pepper Hot Sauce, named in honor of the founding brother' father, Rob Sorensen, a 43-year retired fire captain.
Firehouse Subs
Address: 3124 W. North Ave., Stone Park, IL
Owner: Samuel D. Stanovich
Number of employees: 15
When business opened: Nov. 16, 2015
Web address: <a href="http://www.firehousesubs.com">firehousesubs.com</a>
Twitter: twitter.com/firehousesubs, twitter.com/Chicago_Sam