FIREHOUSE SUBS RESTAURANT OF THE FUTURE PROTOTYPE FEATURED IN FOODSERVICE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES MAGAZINE

Firehouse Subs

Prototype location: Jacksonville, Fla.

The latest Firehouse Subs prototype, which the chain refers to as the Restaurant of the Future or ROTF, opened last year with 25% less back-of-the-house space and about half as many seats. With the kitchen now in the back, the design includes a repositioned ordering area and a designated space for pickup orders. A more efficient production area incorporates a sandwich steamer with a drawer taking the place of a clamshell top, which has reduced heating times. In addition to the layout, the chain updated furnishings, fixtures, finishes and graphics. This marks the chain’s first fundamental redesign after 25 years in business. Its second ROTF prototype opened in Palatka, Fla., in August 2020.