Firehouse Subs is located on the east side of Appleby opposite the end of Taywood Drive.
It's my first time at a Firehouse Subs in Canada and while they've had a few up here for some time I don't have subs that often. Between Mr. Sub, Subway, Quizno's (are they even still around) I can safely say I enjoy Firehouse the most.
"Welcome to Firehouse" honestly that non stop jingle gets old. If you're eating in, you'll probably hear this at least 10 times during a lunch visit. Besides that greeting that must drive the employees nuts after a day or two the service is great and the food is great. The sandwiches here are not whole foot longs and halves but rather smaller buns but longer than 6 inch, maybe 9. I can't say as I don't get anything but large. Still, the large here larger than other so called large or 12 inch sandwiches elsewhere.
One has to know the origins of Firehouse to truly appreciate why they are the way they are. Founded by a couple of firemen (hence the name) down in the 904 (That's JAX or Jacksonville, FL for those that don't know their area code) they've now grown to some sort of crazy all across the USA. Who knows maybe one day Maple Street biscuit will be up here too.
These subs are packed and I mean packed and while it may seem more expensive to have a 13 dollar sub versus whatever they're serving anywhere else try to keep in mind everywhere else just doesn't have as generous the portions of Firehouse. I ended up ordering a Firehouse Hero which is basically your 3 meat groups of cow, bird and pig. Fully involved means topped with the works being mayo, mustard, lettuce, tomato, onion and a pickle spear on the side. Roast beef, smoked turkey and honey ham with melted provolone makes this sandwich just rock out. The choices of bread are limited however with only white or wheat but the bread is also very good and fresh. Basically this is the best chain sub you'll find up here these days and they do not skimp on what is between the bread.
The service here is pretty amazing. For a place that serves to the table after the order with number stands to keep track, it's a good system considering how many employees they have during lunch. I counted almost a dozen within sight all behind the counter or on the floor handing out orders, collecting number and the person that took our numbers even dropped off some napkins as well. For drinks if you don't get a bottle it's serve yourself at the Coke freestyle machine. They only have a single machine however but there didn't seem to be a lineup for filling or refilling so it seems all good.
I have to say this sandwich for a full large is very filling. I was full and that's not easy for most places to do, make me full that is. Quality ingredients and freshness and it's filling. It's amazing how many people were being served with wait times not that long considering how much ordering was going on but obviously the high staffing levels are doing great at keeping up. Lunch is a limited time window and this place does their part to make sure you can have your lunch fast and not rush.
I'm going to go for the cheddar beef brisket next time because it just looks and sounds great. read more