Dinner with Firehouse Subs Founder, Robin Sorensen

Last night, we were invited to attend a dinner with one of Firehouse Subs founders, former firefighter turned entrepreneur, Robin Sorensen. Two of us headed up North with empty stomaches, and lots of questions! We were ready to rock this.

Robin offered insight, shared funny stories and answered many of our questions.

He even busted out the Brisket and told us how it’s made and why it’s so freaking delish.

I have never met business owners so down-to-earth and I think it’s a must for any company to do what they do. Get a group of people together in an informal setting and just talk.

I did get a chance to admire the hot sauces.

Aside from chatting all night, we also sampled their top-selling subs and paired them with beverage combinations from the 120+ options on the Coca-Cola Freestyle fountain.

1. Hook & Ladder

Smoked turkey breast, Virginia honey ham, and melted Monterey Jack, served Fully Involved. Fully Involved means it’s loaded complete with mayo, mustard, lettuce, tomato, onion, and a dill spear on the side.

2. Smokehouse Beef & Cheddar Brisket

USDA Choice beef brisket smoked for 10+ hours, melted cheddar, and special sauces.

3. New York Steamer

Corned beef brisket, pastrami, melted provolone, mustard, mayo, and Italian dressing.

The New York Steamer is my 5 year old’s favorite sandwich. As a matter of fact, I brought this one home just for her and she took it to school today. She LOVES it. Surprising for one of the world’s most pickiest eaters.

4. Italian

Genoa salami, pepperoni, ham, melted provolone, Italian dressing, and seasonings, served Fully Involved.

Two words: Food Coma.

I also got to taste a Cherry Vanilla Dr. Pepper from the Coca-Cola Freestyle fountain. This was a creation from one of my new friends that I made last night!

Have you seen the Freestyle? It’s pretty awesome.

Now, here’s the cool thing about all this. Before I started working with Firehouse Subs on fun events and what-not, I never really knew much about them and to be honest, I had never even stepped foot into one of their locations.

It wasn’t until last year when I had the opportunity to actually dig deeper and learn the ins and outs of their company, that I was truly blown away.

Founded in 1994 by former firefighting brothers, Chris and Robin Sorensen, Firehouse Subs is a 543-unit fast-casual chain and the only restaurant concept using a steaming method to create hot subs.

They have perfected the hot sub by taking the best meats and cheeses, like Butterball and Sargento , steamed simultaneously to ignite the flavors, then combined with fresh, crisp produce on a separately toasted sub roll.

The brand’s mission statement ensures hearty and flavorful food, heartfelt service and public safety support.

Based on the founding family’s 200 years of firefighting heritage, restaurants display local memorabilia and images donated by area fire departments.

A bold guarantee encourages customers to experience the Firehouse Subs difference – “Our way beats their way, if you don’t agree it’s free.”

In 2005, the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation was established with a mission of providing funding, life-saving equipment and educational opportunities to first responders. To date the Foundation has donated more than $5.2 million, making a difference in 33 states.

Next up, we hope to visit the test kitchen and maybe even the headquarters in Jacksonville! We’ve got big dreams.