USA. Global travel restaurateur HMSHost has opened Jacksonville-based fast-casual sandwich chain Firehouse Subs at Jacksonville International Airport. It is located post-security in the food court, past the security checkpoint. Launched with joint-venture partner Denard Enterprises Inc., this marks the brand’s first airport location.
“With this opening, we are continuing to enhance the airport’s food options with the most desired dining choices in the industry,” said HMSHost Vice President of Business Development Stephen Douglas in a statement. “In addition to great subs, the local connection Firehouse Subs has with Jacksonville makes it the perfect new dining option for the airport.”
“We couldn’t be happier that Firehouse Subs’ first airport location is in their hometown,” Jacksonville Aviation Authority CEO Steve Grossman added. “Firehouse and the recent opening of PGA Tour Grill highlight some of our region’s most notable brands, giving travellers a Sense of Place when flying through Jacksonville.”
Founded nearly two decades ago by firemen in Jacksonville, Florida, Firehouse Subs offers customers steamed meats and cheeses on toasted sub rolls, along with varied sizes of small, medium and large hot speciality subs. These include top-selling Hook & Ladder, which features smoked turkey breast and Virginia honey ham with Monterey Jack cheese.
Cutting the ribbon (l-r): HMSHost Vice President of Business Development Stephen Douglas; Founders of Firehouse Subs Chris and Robin Sorensen; Board Chair of the Jacksonville Airport Authority Patrick Kilbane and Denard Enterprises, Inc. President Frank Johnson
Also available is Firehouse Subs’ breakfast menu–also a first for the brand. This bespoke offering for the airport includes various egg and cheese sandwiches with pastrami, ham, bacon, or steak. For vegan and gluten-free travellers, there are also options with Earnest Eats Oatmeal with cranberry, almond and flax.
“This is a milestone accomplishment for our brand, and a goal my brother Chris and I have worked hard to achieve since we opened the first Firehouse Subs restaurant nearly 23 years ago,” said a statement by Firehouse Subs Co-Founder Robin Sorensen. “We’re thrilled to serve guests at our hometown airport, but most importantly, we’re proud to support through our Foundation the first responders who work daily to protect travellers’ safety.”
Firehouse Subs is also known for its commitment to saving lives through the non-profit Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, which provides funding, life-saving equipment and educational opportunities to first responders and public safety organisations nationwide
The Foundation raised funds and equipment for Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, and provided protective equipment including body armour and tourniquets for Jacksonville Aviation Authority
A fire truck water cannon salute on the tarmac of Jacksonville International Airport marked the official grand opening of the first Firehouse Subs airport location