Firehouse Subs acquired by Restaurant Brands
Context
Restaurant Brands International Inc. agreed to acquire Firehouse Subs in an all-cash transaction, integrating the sandwich specialist into its QSR powerhouse portfolio. Structure encompasses full ownership of Firehouse Restaurant Group Inc., funded by cash and debt, pending regulatory nods. Strategic fit lies in complementary sandwich category exposure, mirroring RBI's playbook of high-quality, franchise-led growth with aligned guest profiles and innovation focus. Firehouse's purpose-driven model (rooted in firefighter heritage and public safety donations) enhances RBI's community ethos, while U.S./Canada density enables digital acceleration, franchise recruitment, and international pilots. Post-deal priorities emphasize unit economics optimization, brand awareness lift, and global expansion leveraging RBI's network.
Firehouse Subs, which reported an EBITDA margin of [members only] in 2021, is valued in this transaction at an EV/EBITDA multiple of 15x–25x.
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Target
Firehouse Subs, founded in 1994 in Jacksonville, Florida, United States, by brothers and former firefighters Chris Sorensen and Robin Sorensen, specializes in hot, hearty submarine sandwiches. The menu features steamed meats and cheeses on toasted sub rolls, including signature items like the Hook & Ladder®, alongside chopped salads, chili, soups, and sides. Prepared with high-quality ingredients, these offerings emphasize flavor, portion size, and drive-thru convenience. As a fast-growing player in the $30 billion U.S. QSR sandwich category, the brand operates approximately 1,200 restaurants across 46 U.S. states, Canada, and Puerto Rico, with 97% franchised (2025) and strong unit economics yielding 3.5-year average paybacks. Strategically, it focuses on community engagement and menu innovation to sustain #1 food quality ratings.
Ent. Value
$1–10bn
Equity Value
[members only]
Multiples
EV / Revenue
below 1.5x
EV / EBITDA
15x–25x
EV / EBIT
[members only]
Historical Financials (USD)
Other operations with Restaurant Brands
| Date | Acquirer | Target | Country | Sector |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08/2023 | RESTAURANT BRANDS | FIESTA RESTAURANT | UNITED STATES | Restaurants / Chains |
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REFERENCES
Valuation range: EV $1–10bn
Revenue range: $1–10bn
EBITDA range: $50–100M
EV/Revenue range: below 1.5x
EV/EBITDA range: 15x - 25x
Note: This page provides detailed data on a private equity M&A transaction. Detailed and exact financial metrics for the acquisition of Firehouse Subs by Restaurant Brands are reserved for mynth community members. Register for free to unlock full data.
Authors: This transaction was contributed by a verified mynth contributor and cross-checked against available transaction documents and official company communications.
Target: firehouse subs
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