Firehouse Subs started in Jacksonville
Firehouse Subs began in Jacksonville in 1994. Brothers Chris and Robin Sorensen, both former firefighters, opened the first shop.
Their old line of work gave the restaurant its name and theme. The public-safety foundation came later. The brothers started it in 2005 after seeing needs that followed Hurricane Katrina.
Those dates tell two related stories. Jacksonville is the company’s 1994 starting place. The foundation is a separate part of the story, with its own 2005 start. It now helps public-safety groups buy tools and gear.
The chain has grown far beyond one shop. Its roots still belong in Jacksonville’s business history, but that does not mean the first storefront remains open today.
For the company story, start with its current history. For the charity’s work, check the foundation itself. Keeping those two sources apart makes the timeline much easier to follow.
Explore the area
Places in this note
Nearby and related places
Sources
Last checked against these sources: July 29, 2026.
Related Florida notes
History and culture
Cummer Museum keeps Jacksonville's river gardens in view
The Cummer Museum ties Jacksonville's art collection, riverfront gardens, and Ninah Cummer's civic legacy into one Riverside stop.
Read this note ->History and culture
Florida Theatre keeps Jacksonville's movie palace on Forsyth Street
The Florida Theatre gives downtown Jacksonville a 1927 movie palace that survived hard years and still anchors live shows, films, and civic memory.
Read this note ->History and culture
Jacksonville's Cowford name starts at the river crossing
Before Jacksonville took its current name, the St. Johns River crossing known as Cowford helped explain why the settlement formed where it did.
Read this note ->History and culture
Ritz Theatre keeps LaVilla's Harlem of the South memory
The Ritz Theatre and Museum in Jacksonville keeps LaVilla's Black culture, performance, music, and Harlem of the South memory on the downtown map.
Read this note ->