MEET OMAR AND YALDA GHORBANI: FIREHOUSE SUBS' FATHER-DAUGHTER DUO IN SPARTANBURG

Meet Omar and Yalda Ghorbani: Firehouse Subs’ Father-Daughter Duo in Spartanburg 

In honor of Father’s Day on June 20, we are recognizing some of our amazing Franchisee Fathers who work closely with their kid(s) in their Firehouse Subs restaurants.

Omar Ghorbani and his daughter Yalda work together on all aspects of the business, especially franchise operations. Yalda has been working with Omar since she was 16 and has helped grow the business through her hard work and dedication to the brand. 

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

Yalda has been with me from the age of 16.I remember her literally standing by my side when we installed the Firehouse Subs sign on our first location in Taylors, SC back in 2004. Since then, I have coached her in all aspects of the restaurant and hospitality business. 

From the very beginning, I found an innate ability and a strong desire in her to do every job  perfectly. Hospitality by its definition is part of our culture and is practiced at home within the entire family, so it was natural for her. She loves what she does! 

While she assisted me in managing and developing all five of my locations, she attended school and managed to complete her higher education and achieve her MBA degree. Her education was one of my utmost priorities and I am very proud of her hard work! 

What’s your favorite part about being a dad? 

Truthfully, just being called “Dad” by my daughters means so much to me. I think it has to do with how I felt when I called my dad. It was so rewarding for me that regardless of my demanding professions, I was completely involved with my wife, Tammy, in coaching, supporting and watching our two daughters grow personally and professionally. 

I am a strong believer that one of the most fun and effective ways to make a difference is being a good father. I believe that is the most important legacy I hope to leave behind.

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

That it is a 24/7 job. We are constantly laser focused on customer satisfaction, financials of the business, human resources acquisition, training, etc. The list goes on! 

Most often even if we are not physically on location or when we have days off, there’s a good chance we are doing something restaurant-related. It is great to have my daughter involved so we are able to spend lots of time together in and out of the business. 

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

Being a parent is definitively the toughest job on earth; being a franchisee definitely demands the same level of pride, commitment, accountability and dedication.

What does your ideal Father’s Day look like? 

My restaurants are fully staffed so that I can be with my daughters for the day. 

What are each of your favorite Firehouse Subs? 

Our favorite is the New York Steamer® and there is a story behind it. 

While being transferred from my job from Spartanburg, SC to Jacksonville, FL, the realtor helping us invited us to a place she called Firehouse Subs and promised that we would “love the Subs and the people there.” And we did. 

The sub we ate was The New York Steamer® with steamed USDA Choice Corned beef brisket and pastrami, melted provolone, deli mustard, mayo, and Italian dressing on a toasted sub roll. At that moment, I decided this is the business I would love to wake up to each day.

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

We love to have family gatherings where we cook, grill and just spend time with my family. 

What advice do you have for new dads? 

This is a journey you embarked upon. Enjoy and experience all of it - be hands on, look after your relationship and yourself, and have faith.