Restaurant Brands International concept plans 500 restaurants in 10 years in South American nation with first to open this year
Firehouse Subs, the quick-service sandwich concept under the Restaurant Brands International Inc. umbrella, plans to open its first restaurant in South America this year, the first in a deal that calls for 500 units over 10 years, the company said.
Toronto-based Restaurant Brands said the Firehouse deal builds on its international expansion.
Firehouse Subs, founded in Jacksonville, Fla., in 1994, offers premium sandwiches with steamed meat and cheeses.
“The expansion into Brazil is part of a joint venture supported by parent company Restaurant Brands International, one of the world’s largest QSR companies, in partnership with Iuri Miranda, former CEO and board member of Zamp S.A., master franchisee of Burger King and Popeyes in Brazil,” the company said in a statement.
RBI also owns the Burger King, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen and Tim Hortons brands.
“Leveraging RBI’s global infrastructure and expertise in digital strategy and international development, combined with a great knowledge of the Brazilian market, Firehouse Subs aims to capture Brazil’s growing sandwich market,” RBI said.
Thiago Santelmo, President of RBI International, added: “We are very excited to introduce Firehouse Subs to Brazil, a key market in the growing sandwich category, with Iuri Miranda, a longtime industry veteran and partner. I believe Firehouse Subs has an exciting runway for growth.”
Firehouse Subs has more than 1,300 restaurants across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico and recently successfully launched internationally. In 2023, the brand opened the first restaurant outside of North America in Switzerland, followed by Mexico in December, and in United Arab Emirates and Albania last year.
Miranda, partner and CEO of Firehouse Subs Brazil, said: “We are thrilled to bring Firehouse Subs to Brazilian guests. We expect the launch will contribute to the creation of thousands of jobs over the next decade and will elevate the sandwich experience in the country.”
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