For a lot of aspiring entrepreneurs, probably the most important barrier to franchise possession is not ambition, work ethic and even discovering the proper model — it is entry to capital. Firehouse Subs, the Jacksonville-based sandwich chain based by two firefighter brothers (and ranked #120 on the 2025 Franchise 500), is tackling that hurdle head-on with a brand new set of monetary incentives designed to decrease the entry price for franchisees and speed up progress nationwide.
“It is all pushed round how will we drive return on funding for our franchisees,” says Kelly Crummer, senior director of franchising at Firehouse Subs. “We wished to do one thing that may inspire franchisees to construct. For a very long time, individuals had been coming into the system by way of acquisition after which not constructing something new. This whet their urge for food to construct new eating places.”
Incentive applications
The model has introduced its 2026 Growth Incentive Program, which provides $75,000 in money for opening a single new restaurant and $100,000 per location for individuals who decide to opening two or extra eating places. This system is open to each new and present franchisees, giving seasoned operators in addition to first-time entrepreneurs the prospect to scale extra rapidly with Firehouse Subs.
As well as, Firehouse Subs is extending its Veteran and First Responder Growth Incentive Program by way of 2026. First launched in 2024, this initiative gives as much as $100,000 in money per restaurant for certified franchisees with army or first responder backgrounds. The thought is to honor the model’s service-focused roots whereas making it simpler for veterans and first responders to enter franchising.
Reducing limitations
Firehouse Subs’ incentives are among the many most beneficiant within the quick-service restaurant area. By providing direct money to offset early prices — together with buildout, gear and staffing — the corporate hopes to not solely appeal to new homeowners but in addition to gas multi-unit growth.
The technique displays a broader trade development. In accordance with the Worldwide Franchise Affiliation‘s 2024 Franchisee Survey of 8,200 franchise homeowners, 43% of franchises are operated by multi-unit homeowners — a share that’s anticipated to rise as operators pursue efficiencies throughout a number of places and types. Firehouse Subs is tapping into that momentum with applications designed to assist franchisees who need to increase their portfolios.
Elliot Goldsmith operates 10 Firehouse places — with one other below growth — in South Carolina. Though not a veteran or first responder, he is been a Firehouse proprietor for 23 years and has seen the impact the pro-first-responder insurance policies have had on the general system.
“It is a incredible program to assist offset the preliminary price,” Goldsmith says. “Every part is getting dearer as we speak. And Firehouse and Restaurant Manufacturers Worldwide serving to individuals open these eating places with out taking up an excessive amount of debt removes an enormous barrier.”
Mission-driven model
Whereas many restaurant chains discuss function, Firehouse Subs has constructed its id round neighborhood service. Its Firehouse Subs Public Security Basis has awarded greater than $100 million in lifesaving gear and sources to first responders and public security organizations throughout the U.S. and Canada.
That mission stays central to its franchising technique. By making it simpler for veterans and first responders to personal eating places, the model is immediately connecting its heritage with its future progress.
“Veterans and first responders make nice franchisees — they’re confirmed leaders, confirmed crew gamers, they usually thrive below course of,” Crummer says. “That is in the end what being a franchisee is all about.”
Firehouse Subs additionally advantages from being a part of RBI, the worldwide quick-service big that owns Burger King, Popeyes and Tim Hortons. This backing provides the sandwich chain entry to world-class sources in operations, advertising and provide chain — key benefits because it continues to scale.
“It is that good recipe the place RBI has three different manufacturers which have been there, completed that,” Crummer tells Entrepreneur. “We will take these learnings and apply them whereas staying genuine to who we’re.”
Associated: Fried, Quick And Franchised — These Are The Prime 10 Hen Franchises in 2025
For a lot of aspiring entrepreneurs, probably the most important barrier to franchise possession is not ambition, work ethic and even discovering the proper model — it is entry to capital. Firehouse Subs, the Jacksonville-based sandwich chain based by two firefighter brothers (and ranked #120 on the 2025 Franchise 500), is tackling that hurdle head-on with a brand new set of monetary incentives designed to decrease the entry price for franchisees and speed up progress nationwide.
“It is all pushed round how will we drive return on funding for our franchisees,” says Kelly Crummer, senior director of franchising at Firehouse Subs. “We wished to do one thing that may inspire franchisees to construct. For a very long time, individuals had been coming into the system by way of acquisition after which not constructing something new. This whet their urge for food to construct new eating places.”
The remainder of this text is locked.
Be part of Entrepreneur+ as we speak for entry.
