Firehouse Subs built on public service, sandwiches

An interview with Carmia A. 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 the highest quality meats and cheese and its commitment to saving lives through the establishment of the nonprofit Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. The founders are the real deal, the food is their creation and the restaurant is built upon a family of franchise operators who share their same passion for generously serving food and community.

Q: What's unique about the company? 

A: Firehouse Subs is well 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. Here in Illinois, the Foundation has given more than $936,000 to support the purchase of lifesaving equipment for first responders across the state. In the previous quarter we have done over $100,000 in grant donations locally.

Q: How does Firehouse Subs cater to corporate meetings, events? 

A: We are a one stop resource for all events. We provide food service solutions for meetings, events, home parties, teams meals 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 its signature subs, the restaurant offers a variety of catering options from sandwich and dessert platters to salads and snacks to fuel any occasion.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself.

A: Personally, and most importantly about myself is the love and support I have from my family; including my husband and high school sweetheart (Samuel). I have been in the hospitality industry my entire career. From my hospitality education starting at Triton College and continued through at Roosevelt University. My career started and grew through Marriott International where I worked in all phases of operations and food and beverage.

It then took a pivot to leading the sales and marketing for the Naperville Convention and Visitors Bureau. My passion is food and service, working with Firehouse Subs has been ideal as we serve a great product to great guests and are able to give back to great heroes who serve selflessly every day to serve our communities.  

Q: Tell us one interesting fact about Firehouse Subs that most people may not know. 

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.