Firehouse Subs Now Open in Woburn

Firehouse Subs, the sub shop started by firefighters and that supports fire departments, has a new location in Woburn.

The Firehouse Subs at 103 Commerce Way, Suite C1, in the same plaza as Target, opened in Woburn yesterday.

This is the third Firehouse Subs in Massachusetts. Currently the company has locations in Danvers and in Copley Square in Boston.

The first things one notices upon entering is the firefighter decor and the friendly welcome of the staff. Upon entering there is a chorus of "Welcome to Firehouse Subs" by the staff behind the lines where the food is prepared.

"We have a friendly staff and welcome everyone who comes into the restaurant," Owner Wells Aitken said. "We want people to feel like they are known here."

Woburn Patch sat down with Aitken and Firehouse Subs Area Representative Dave Tucci on opening day.

Aitken said the restaurant stands out due to its high-quality food and for its commitment to benefit the fire department in the communities where it is located. 

"Our mission statement is Firehouse Subs is 'passion for hearty and flavorful food, heartfelt service and public safety,'" he said. "That's what separates us from the competition."

The restaurant was founded in Florida by former firefighters and brothers Chris Sorensen and Robin Sorensen about 18 years ago. Now the chain has nearly 600 locations in 33 sites and Puerto Rico, according to the restaurant's web site.

The brothers never forgot their roots in firefighting. According to a Aitken, in 2005, Firehouse Subs created the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation with the mission of providing funding, life-saving equipment, and educational opportunities to first-responders and public safety organizations. The foundation was set up after the Sorensen brothers went to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina to provide food for the first responders.

"They ended up feeding everyone who was in need," Aitken said. "There were people who had lost everything and were very thankful to have a free meal. When they returned home they thought 'we have to do more.'"

Aitken said that since starting the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation the organization has donated $6.5 million to fire departments and other emergency agencies.

"Every fire department has a need," he said. "There are always shortfalls in the budget. Already Woburn Firefighters have asked us about grants."

Customers can make donations at the restaurant to benefit the foundation. Also, Firehouse Subs sells their custom-made pickle containers once they are empty for $2 apiece, and all the funds go to the foundation (see the picture above of the pickle container).

The food preparation has some unique aspects to it as well. Aitken said all the meats are steam heated, which gives them a good flavor. The USDA Choice meats, which can be seen by customers in a display case, are paired with fresh vegetables and bread made from a "private recipe." There are is also a very large selection of hot sauces and other sauces to choose from.

Finally, the decor of the restaurant stands out. The place features photographs and memorabilia donated by local fire departments.

"The atmosphere is a tribute to local firefighters, not a gimmick" Tucci said. "Each item has a connection to fire departments and emergency responders."

There is also a big mural on one wall that was made by artist Joe Puskas, also known as "Joe the Artist," who does murals for all Firehouse Subs locations. The one in Woburn is based on vintage photographs of Ladder 1 and Fire Company 3 in town. 

There is also a fun tribute to the band Rush in the mural, the music that was playing when Aitken visited the place where the murals are made. In the painting Ladder 1 is being driven by Geddy Lee, the lead singer. There are also two other aspects of the mural that are references to Rush. For fun, if you see them and can recognize them, point them out in the comments section below.

For a look at the full menu and for more information about Firehouse subs, visit their web site at www.firehousesubs.com