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A look at Firehouse Subs’ newly launched ‘Restaurant of Future’ prototypeA look at Firehouse Subs’ newly launched ‘Restaurant of Future’ prototype

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

July 2, 2019

12 Slides
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Firehouse Subs on Monday pulled the wraps of its new “Restaurant of the Future” prototype as the brand celebrates its 25th anniversary.

The new unit opened in Jacksonville, Fla., the company’s headquarters city, and features a repositioned ordering area, a designated area for to-go orders, new graphics and modified customer flow.

The new restaurant is also smaller than typical for the brand, covering 1,600 square feet compared to the 2018 systemwide average of 1,911 square feet, a spokesperson said. The prototype unit accommodates seating for 34 guests, include 26 inside and eight outside.

John Namey, Firehouse Subs vice president of real estate services, said the company surveyed guests before undertaking the redesign of the brand, founded in 1994.

“We wanted to fix the customer flow to make it clearer for our guests on where to order,” Namey said in a statement. “We also knew there was an opportunity for improvement on our production line. There’s a lot of motion between crew members to make a sub, and we’ve come up with a solution that we hope will be a quicker experience for our guests.”

Firehouse Subs has more than 1,170 locations in 46 states, Puerto Rico and Canada.

Take a look at the prototype unit in the slideshow.

All photos courtesy of Firehouse Subs

Related:Firehouse Subs debuts airport location

Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected]

Follow him on Twitter: @RonRuggless

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About the Author

Ron Ruggless

Senior Editor, Nation’s Restaurant News / Restaurant Hospitality

Ron Ruggless serves as a senior editor for Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN.com) and Restaurant Hospitality (Restaurant-Hospitality.com) online and print platforms. He joined NRN in 1992 after working 10 years in various roles at the Dallas Times Herald newspaper, including restaurant critic, assistant business editor, food editor and lifestyle editor. He also edited several printings of the Zagat Dining Guide for Dallas-Fort Worth, and his articles and photographs have appeared in Food & Wine, Food Network and Self magazines. 

Ron Ruggless’ areas of expertise include foodservice mergers, acquisitions, operations, supply chain, research and development and marketing. 

Ron Ruggless is a frequent moderator and panelist at industry events ranging from the Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators (MUFSO) conference to RestaurantSpaces, the Council of Hospitality and Restaurant Trainers, the National Restaurant Association’s Marketing Executives Group, local restaurant associations and the Horeca Professional Expo in Madrid, Spain.

Ron Ruggless’ experience:

Regional and Senior Editor, Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality (1992 to present)

Features Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1989-1991)

Restaurant Critic and Food Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1987-1988)

Editing Roles – Dallas Times Herald (1982-1987)

Editing Roles – Charlotte (N.C.) Observer (1980-1982)

Editing Roles – Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald (1978-1980)

Email: [email protected]

Social media:

Twitter@RonRuggless

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ronruggless

Instagram: @RonRuggless

TikTok: @RonRuggless

 

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