Jacksonville-based Firehouse Subs ranked at the top of the food chain in a Consumer Reports survey of sandwiches and subs.
The respected consumer-product testing magazine asked more than 25,000 subscribers to rate pizza, chicken, subs and Mexican-food chains on a scale of 1-10, “from least delicious to most delicious you’ve ever eaten.”
Firehouse Subs topped the list with an “8” in taste on the sandwiches and subs chart, topping No. 2 Jason’s Deli, with a 7.8. The top five were rounded out by Jersey Mike’s Subs, Schlotzky’s and Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches.
In a further rating, Firehouse Subs and Jason’s Deli tied at the top with reader scores of 83 for food, value, staff and speed. A score of 80 means respondents to a CR survey “were very well satisfied.”
The results were published in the August issue.
Firehouse Subs, founded in 1994 by firefighter brothers Robin and Chris Sorensen, has grown to 435 restaurants in 24 states.
Firehouse of America LLC CEO Don Fox said this morning that the team knew at the end of June that Consumer Reports was planning the report and then read the online edition. It hit the newsstands and reached home subscribers this week.
“It really gives an additional signal of our arrival on the national scene,” said Fox.
Fox said the report, which scored Firehouse Subs at the top in food and staff, validates the company’s focus on quality service and food. It also focus on its public safety foundation.
“Those best ratings are very coveted. They are tough to come by,” he said.
“We’ve gotten so many phone calls, not only feedback from customers, but also people interested in franchising,” he said.
Fox said of the chain’s 435 restaurants, 29 are company-owned and 406 are franchised. Now in 24 states, he said the chain should be in 2-3 more by the end of the year.
Fox said Consumer Reports does not accept advertising nor will it allow its name to be used in promotions.
“This is completely unsolicited,” he said.
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