For many aspiring entrepreneurs, the most important barrier for franchise ownership is not an ambition, work ethics or even finding the right brand -it is access to capital. Firehouse Subs, the Jacksonville -based sandwich chain founded by two firefighters’ brothers (and ranked #120 on the 2025 franchise 500), tackles that obstacle in a new series of financial incentives designed to reduce the access costs for franchisese for franchisese growth.
“It’s all driven around how we stimulate the return on investments for our franchisees,” says Kelly Crummer, senior director of Franchising at Firehouse Subs. “We wanted to do something that would motivate franchisees to build. For a long time, people entered the system via acquisition and then build nothing new. This woke up their appetite to build new restaurants.”
Related: Consider franchise -property? Get started now to find your personalized list of franchises that match your lifestyle, interests and budget.
Stimulation programs
The brand has announced its 2026 Development Incentive Program, This $ 75,000 in cash offers for opening a new restaurant and $ 100,000 per location for those who are committed to opening two or more restaurants. The program is open to both new and existing franchisees, which gives me seasoned operators and for the first time entrepreneurs get the chance to scale with a fire station faster.
In addition, Firehouse Subs expands its veteran and first responder development stimulans Program Until 2026. For the first time launched in 2024, this offers initiative of up to $ 100,000 in cash per restaurant for qualified franchisees with military or first response backgrounds. The idea is to honor the service -oriented roots of the brand, while it becomes easier for veterans and first responds to enter franchising.
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Reduce barriers
The incentives of fire station are among the generous in the Quick-Service Restaurant room. By offering direct cash to compensate for early costs-included Buildout, equipment and staff, the company not only attracts new owners, but also to nourish the expansion of several units.
The strategy reflects a wider trend in the industry. According to the International franchise associationS 2024 Franchisee research from 8,200 franchise owners, 43% of the franchises Be managed by owners of multiple units-a share that is expected to rise if operators pursue efficiency at multiple locations and brands. Firehouse Subs uses that momentum with programs that are designed to support franchisees who want to expand their portfolios.
Elliot Goldsmith operates 10 fire locations – with another in development – in South Carolina. Although he is not a veteran or first response, he has been a firefighter for 23 years and has seen the effect that the Pro-First-Responder policy has had on the general system.
“It is a fantastic program to compensate for the initial costs,” says Goldsmith. “Everything is becoming more expensive today. And fire brigade and restaurant brands International help people to open these restaurants without taking on too many debts, removes a big barrier.”
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Mission-driven brand
Although many restaurant chains talk about the goal, Firehouse Subs has built its identity around community service. The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has awarded more than $ 100 million in life -saving equipment and resources to First Responders and public safety organizations in the US and Canada.
That mission remains central in its franchising strategy. By making it easier for veterans and first responders for their own restaurants, the brand connects its heritage directly with its future growth.
“Veterans and First Responders make great franchisees – they are proven leaders, proven team players and they thrive in the process,” says Crummer. “That is ultimately what being a franchisee is all about.”
Firehouse Subs also benefit from the part of RBI, the global Quick service Giant who owns Burger King, Popeyes and Tim Horton’s. This back gives the sandwich chain access to world-class sources in operations, marketing and supply chain-important benefits while it continues to scale.
“It is that perfect recipe where RBI has three other brands that have been there,” says Crummer Entrepreneur. “We can take and apply those lessons while we remain authentic for who we are.”
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For many aspiring entrepreneurs, the most important barrier for franchise ownership is not an ambition, work ethics or even finding the right brand -it is access to capital. Firehouse Subs, the Jacksonville -based sandwich chain founded by two firefighters’ brothers (and ranked #120 on the 2025 franchise 500), tackles that obstacle in a new series of financial incentives designed to reduce the access costs for franchisese for franchisese growth.
“It’s all driven around how we stimulate the return on investments for our franchisees,” says Kelly Crummer, senior director of Franchising at Firehouse Subs. “We wanted to do something that would motivate franchisees to build. For a long time, people entered the system via acquisition and then build nothing new. This woke up their appetite to build new restaurants.”
Related: Consider franchise -property? Get started now to find your personalized list of franchises that match your lifestyle, interests and budget.
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