The epiphany for brothers Chris and Robin Sorensen came the day in 1992, on the pavement in their hometown of Jacksonville, Florida
Fresh from a series of hit and miss business ventures - including one called Kris Kringle Christmas tree fails to sell the trees - the brothers had just come out of the executive meeting of the sandwich franchise operations that they are considering purchasing. They feel left underwhelmed - and sure they could do better. What is the concept that they need to prove it. Then hit. Inspiration
"We went out after the meeting and came up with the idea for Firehouse Subs in place," said Robin. Chain of sandwich they have ever considered buying soon became rivals. "For now, we will be one thing:. Kicking tail "
Mission accomplished. Eighteen years after opening their first Firehouse Subs restaurant in Jacksonville, two former firemen turned their sidewalks enlightened national franchise boom. Theme of the day is nearly 500 locations running from the decor (firefighting equipment, Dalmatian-pattern tabletop) food (great toasted subs with names such as Hook & Ladder).
Firehouse Subs ranked third among franchises bakery franchise entrepreneur sub 500 ® list, and revenues exceeding $ 285 million in 2011, up nearly 39 percent from 2008. Meanwhile, the average unit volume for Firehouse Subs franchise grew from $ 572,000 in 2009 to $ 650,000 in 2011.
Firehouse ability to grow as the economy tanked Sorensen brothers owe largely kept a tight grip on the company's strategy and culture. Behind the relaxed behavior, respect, "we can not control freaks," says Robin. The brothers are specifically vigilant about managing growth. They carefully store locations and vet prospective franchisees, while applying the approach shop-at-a-time to a franchise that was on the boat. "We easily could have two or three thousand stores now," said Robin. "Growing up too fast and you can feel the coming of the wing rivets."
Belying stack overflow from the Firehouse subs is an organization-wide commitment to conservation. Meanwhile, debt-free company since 2001, the brothers took the distribution was not until 2004, the 10th anniversary of the opening of their first store.
Courage A firefighter was also seen in 'Sorensens strategic decision-making. Instead of retrenching as the economy spins in the year 2009, as many of their competitors, Firehouse brain trust decided to pump more resources into a campaign that focuses on radio advertising. "Looking back, putting more marketing is really risky but good judgment call," said Shawn Hooks, long franchisee in all U.S. Southeastern Firehouse "in the franchise area we saw a significant increase in sales because of this. It's really paid off. '
While they were putting out the fire, a sense of obligation to the community clearly still burning in the Sorensen brothers. The non-profit they founded in 2005, Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, has raised more than $ 4 million, most of the shares directly in public service organizations. "This is one of the proudest thing we do," said Robin Sorensen. "Change your life."
What's more, the brothers believe give substance and credibility of the brand Firehouse surge in new markets. An international boost for Central and South America, and the continued expansion in the country, is part of a strategic plan target of 2,000 restaurants by 2020.
Not bad for two former firefighters, no enlightenment, still peddling the Christmas tree.
Fresh from a series of hit and miss business ventures - including one called Kris Kringle Christmas tree fails to sell the trees - the brothers had just come out of the executive meeting of the sandwich franchise operations that they are considering purchasing. They feel left underwhelmed - and sure they could do better. What is the concept that they need to prove it. Then hit. Inspiration
"We went out after the meeting and came up with the idea for Firehouse Subs in place," said Robin. Chain of sandwich they have ever considered buying soon became rivals. "For now, we will be one thing:. Kicking tail "
Mission accomplished. Eighteen years after opening their first Firehouse Subs restaurant in Jacksonville, two former firemen turned their sidewalks enlightened national franchise boom. Theme of the day is nearly 500 locations running from the decor (firefighting equipment, Dalmatian-pattern tabletop) food (great toasted subs with names such as Hook & Ladder).
Firehouse Subs ranked third among franchises bakery franchise entrepreneur sub 500 ® list, and revenues exceeding $ 285 million in 2011, up nearly 39 percent from 2008. Meanwhile, the average unit volume for Firehouse Subs franchise grew from $ 572,000 in 2009 to $ 650,000 in 2011.
Firehouse ability to grow as the economy tanked Sorensen brothers owe largely kept a tight grip on the company's strategy and culture. Behind the relaxed behavior, respect, "we can not control freaks," says Robin. The brothers are specifically vigilant about managing growth. They carefully store locations and vet prospective franchisees, while applying the approach shop-at-a-time to a franchise that was on the boat. "We easily could have two or three thousand stores now," said Robin. "Growing up too fast and you can feel the coming of the wing rivets."
Belying stack overflow from the Firehouse subs is an organization-wide commitment to conservation. Meanwhile, debt-free company since 2001, the brothers took the distribution was not until 2004, the 10th anniversary of the opening of their first store.
Courage A firefighter was also seen in 'Sorensens strategic decision-making. Instead of retrenching as the economy spins in the year 2009, as many of their competitors, Firehouse brain trust decided to pump more resources into a campaign that focuses on radio advertising. "Looking back, putting more marketing is really risky but good judgment call," said Shawn Hooks, long franchisee in all U.S. Southeastern Firehouse "in the franchise area we saw a significant increase in sales because of this. It's really paid off. '
While they were putting out the fire, a sense of obligation to the community clearly still burning in the Sorensen brothers. The non-profit they founded in 2005, Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, has raised more than $ 4 million, most of the shares directly in public service organizations. "This is one of the proudest thing we do," said Robin Sorensen. "Change your life."
What's more, the brothers believe give substance and credibility of the brand Firehouse surge in new markets. An international boost for Central and South America, and the continued expansion in the country, is part of a strategic plan target of 2,000 restaurants by 2020.
Not bad for two former firefighters, no enlightenment, still peddling the Christmas tree.
