Firehouse Subs has opened its 1,400th restaurant in Clearwater, marking a significant milestone for the Jacksonville-based sandwich chain founded by two former firefighters.
The new restaurant, located at 2849 Gulf to Bay Blvd., represents continued growth for the national brand. It also signals the strength of Tampa Bay’s business community, where local operators continue to scale within established franchise systems.
The restaurant is owned and operated by Tampa Bay franchisee Colin Means, whose career with Firehouse Subs began at 21. He started as a team member, rose through the ranks to general manager and became a franchise owner in 2020, at the height of the pandemic.
Means now owns five Firehouse Subs locations across Pinellas County, with a sixth scheduled to open in Seminole in December. He credits the company’s focus on culture and community as key to his success.
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“Opening the 1,400th Firehouse Subs restaurant is an incredible honor,” Means said. “I’m grateful for the support of my amazing team and our corporate leadership, and I’m excited to keep growing with a brand that truly makes a difference in its communities.”
Built on service
Firehouse Subs’ commitment to service began long before it became a national brand. Founders Chris and Robin Sorensen grew up in a family with deep roots in fire and police service, which helped shape the values that guide the company today.
That foundation is reflected in every restaurant. Known for its steamed subs and focus on guest service, Firehouse Subs has built its success on a simple idea: treat people well and feed them well. Nearly 30 years after opening its first shop in Jacksonville, the brand has grown to more than 1,250 restaurants across the country while keeping its mission centered on community.
Now part of the Restaurant Brands International family, Firehouse Subs describes its growth as a ‘controlled burn,’ a careful approach that keeps quality and community connection at the forefront.
Through the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, the company has provided more than $102 million in lifesaving equipment and resources to first responders in the United States and Canada.
For Clearwater franchisee Colin Means, that mission gives every opening greater purpose.
“When we open a restaurant, we are not just serving food,” he said. “We are honoring the people who protect our communities every day.”
Momentum in Tampa Bay
Firehouse Subs’ decision to mark this national milestone in Clearwater highlights Tampa Bay’s growing importance in the restaurant and franchising sector. The region has seen steady expansion from Florida-grown and national brands such as Metro Diner, Foxtail Coffee and Mission BBQ.
For Means, that growth is personal. “Tampa Bay is an incredible place to build a business,” he said. “The community support here is unmatched, and our mission to help first responders really resonates with people. Every store we open connects us with more customers who want to make a difference with their purchase.”
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Community impact
Firehouse Subs continues to reinforce its public-safety mission through local giving. Since 2005, the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has awarded more than $102 million in lifesaving equipment and resources to first responders in the United States and Canada.
Means said that’s what motivates him to keep expanding.
“When we open a restaurant, we’re not just serving food,” he said. “We’re helping first responders get the tools they need to save lives. That’s the most rewarding part.”
The Clearwater restaurant is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday.
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