Sub sandwich restaurant chain Firehouse Subs is coming to Australia in 2025. Retail Food Group, Australia's largest multibrand retail food franchisor, intends for Firehouse Subs to become the top sandwich choice in the country, with plans to open 165 restaurants in 10 years, and the first restaurant planned to open in Southeast Queensland in late 2025.

This marks the entry into the Asia-Pacific region for the brand, through a development and franchise agreement between a subsidiary of the parent company, Restaurant Brands International, one of the world's largest quick-service restaurant companies, and RFG. RFG is the owner of brands Gloria Jeans Coffees, Donut King, Brumby's Bakery, Beefy's Pies and Crust Pizza. 

Thiago Santelmo, president of RBI International, said, "We are excited to expand Firehouse Subs in the Asia-Pacific region, bringing our iconic sandwiches and rich brand heritage to Australia. This is made possible through our partnership with RFG, whose deep local expertise will be instrumental in delivering an outstanding guest experience."

RFG Chief Executive Officer Matt Marshall said the introduction of Firehouse Subs to the growing sandwich market in Australia represented a tremendous addition to RFG's suite of high-performing food brands. "I am convinced that Australians have never tried anything like the quality and flavour of Firehouse Subs. This is a brand that is all about the highest quality sandwiches with exceptional service," he said. "We couldn't ask for a better partner than RBI, bringing global scale and new market entry expertise."

Marshall said RFG is expected to open 15 company-owned restaurants in the next three years, before launching franchising opportunities in year four. The Firehouse Subs brand caters for a range of small and large store formats, which provides flexibility in reaching consumers in a wide variety of locations. RFG's rights to open and franchise stores after 2027 are subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions.

The launch of Firehouse Subs is expected to support thousands of careers over the next decade, including construction, supply chain and distribution, head office support, and restaurant employees and management. 

Firehouse Subs has over 1,300 restaurants across the US, Canada, Switzerland, Mexico, Albania and the United Arab Emirates, with plans to open its first restaurant in Brazil later in 2025. The brand is built on decades of fire and police service and is committed to saving lives through grants for equipment, training and support to emergency workers.

Source: Restaurant Brands International Inc.