MEET FIREHOUSE SUBS FRANCHISEE AND PROUD FATHER MATT HOLMES

Meet Firehouse Subs Franchisee and Proud Father Matt Holmes

In honor of Father’s Day on June 20, we are recognizing some of our amazing franchisee fathers who work closely with their children in their Firehouse Subs restaurants. 

Matt Holmes opened his first Firehouse Subs restaurant in 2002 and now owns and operates four locations in Tallahassee, Florida. His daughter, Rachel Felker, grew up in the restaurants helping her dad out, worked her way up to a manager, and was recently promoted to serve as a Franchise Business Consultant for Firehouse Subs Headquarters. 

Despite Rachel’s role changing, she continues to support her dad's restaurants. Find out what it’s like for Matt to run his restaurants within a family dynamic alongside his daughter Rachel. 

In what capacity do you work with your daughter at Firehouse Subs? 

I own and operate four restaurants in Tallahassee while Rachel serves Firehouse Subs Headquarters as the Franchise Business Consultant for locations across North Florida, South and Central Georgia, and Southeast Alabama. 

What’s your favorite part about being a dad? 

The best thing about being a dad is seeing my daughter Rachel grow into a smart, dependable and hardworking individual, who I couldn't be more proud of. She grew up in my restaurants helping out where needed, and worked her way up to her current position. There aren’t many things more gratifying as a parent than seeing your children succeed. 

What’s one thing that most people don’t know about owning and operating a restaurant within a family dynamic? 

When you run a restaurant within a family dynamic, you hold your coworkers and family members to the highest expectation. The great thing is that you can always count on them to give their best effort like you give yours.

Are there any similarities between being a father and a franchisee? If so, what? 

The biggest similarity I can identify with being a father and a franchisee is that your restaurant and your daughter will always be your baby. I’ll always have their best interest in mind with any direction I give or action I take. 

What does your ideal Father’s Day look like? 

Relaxing at the house with my family while cooking and eating as our dogs run around the yard sounds like the best Father’s Day I could ask for.

What are each of your favorite Firehouse Subs? 

My favorite sub has always been the New York Steamer® while Rachel’s has changed over the years and is currently the Turkey Bacon Ranch™ with grilled chicken. 

What activities do you enjoy doing together outside of the restaurants? 

Rachel and I enjoy going to concerts together and listening to good music. Our favorite genre is Southern Rock.

What advice do you have for new dads? 

I’d encourage new dads to enjoy all of the time you have with your kids, because it is gone too soon.