MEET BILL FRYE: A PROUD PITTSBURGH FRANCHISEE AND U.S. NAVY VETERAN

Meet Bill Frye: A Proud Pittsburgh Franchisee and U.S. Navy Veteran

In honor of Veterans Day on November 11, we are recognizing and honoring several Firehouse Subs franchisees who selflessly served our nation as members of the U.S. Armed Forces. Today, we proudly introduce you to Franchisee Bill Frye.

Prior to joining the Firehouse Subs Family, Bill served his country in the U.S. Navy for six years and notes he is “eternally grateful for everything [he] learned and gained throughout his service.” His role as a Mess Management Specialist during that time no doubt provided him the skills to run his two successful Firehouse Subs restaurants, located in Butler, PA, and Pittsburgh, PA.

Originally, Bill spent 35 years in the restaurant industry designing and building successful restaurants in the Pittsburgh area. He eventually decided he wanted to explore other opportunities and answered a hiring ad for a General Manager position at the Firehouse Subs in Butler, PA. Shortly after being hired, Bill fell in love with the Firehouse Subs brand and when he was approached with the opportunity to purchase the restaurant, he gladly accepted.

Now the owner of two Firehouse Subs restaurants, Bill is an active member of his community and no stranger to hard work. 

You can most likely catch Bill working alongside his crew at his  restaurants or planning his next community fundraiser. Most recently, Bill has hosted fundraisers for Butler County Veterans in Need, which specializes in providing emergency financial assistance to local veterans, and Folds of Honor, a nonprofit organization that helps provide the families of fallen and disabled service members educational scholarships.

Learn more about the valuable lessons in leadership Bill developed while serving in the military and how he uses his experience as a Navy veteran to successfully operate his restaurants.

  • In what branch of the U.S. military did you serve and for how long? 

I served in the U.S. Navy for six years, from 1981 to 1987.

  • What was your role in the military?

I was an MS2, or Mess Cook. I served as a Personal Attendant and Chef for an Admiral.  

  • What opportunities has joining Firehouse Subs provided you?

Becoming a Firehouse Subs franchisee has given me the opportunity to better serve my community.

  • What skills did you develop during your military service that prepared you to lead a franchise? 

Work ethic and leadership. I’ve developed a strong ethic, so that workdays over 12 hours are normal for me. My leadership skills come through while directing my crew to get things accomplished.

  • What does Veterans Day mean to you?

Veterans Day is a time to reflect and honor the sacrifices made by all of the men and women in our armed services.