- I have visited this Firehouse location 3x now (still the sole location in Ottawa), and I have tasted their Meatball, Steak & Cheese and Smokehouse Beef & Cheddar Brisket
- Upon entry, you will be greeted with "Welcome to Firehouse" by the staff - however, this has been somewhat muffled during my visits so far (likely due to the ambient sound, and the staff do not always harmoniously greet). Despite this, it still adds a uniquely refreshing customer experience that none of their direct competitors (Subway, Quiznos) offer.
- There is a thematic firefighter atmosphere throughout the restaurant (decked in firefighter equipment, gear and memorabilia, which all has been donated). The murals on the wall are also very appealing.
- So you almost want to dine-in rather than take-out (both are offered obviously). If you dine-in, they plate the subs in food baskets, which adds a certain aesthetic appeal over just the standardized wrapping. For take-out, they package the subs in cartons, which I find protects the sub from accidental squashing (my Subway sandwiches have definitely been squashed in the past, as I normally stow food in my backpack when I am on the move)
- Firehouse is also a charitable company that serves the local community. In fact, during one of my visits (shown in one of my uploaded pics), they were offering a complimentary medium sub for bringing in an unopened 24-pack of bottled water. The water was going to the local fire and police departments for distribution to those in need.
- One minor gripe about Firehouse was probably the line queuing: I have ordered during the peak and off-peak times. Firehouse does not employ the same order-pay line configuration as Subway/Quiznos.
- So the first line at Firehouse is to order/pay, which was always acceptably small.
- However, the counter to await your food was about 5 people deep during all my visits. There is no TV monitor to indicate order numbers or progression (as like McDonalds). So there has been some confusion with sequentially fulfilling orders or customer names associated with the an order.
- Circling back to their competitors though, I do not believe that Subway/Quiznos can really hold a candle to Firehouse. Yes, Subway boasts their low calorie menu, and Firehouse conversely promotes to satiate your appetite (it is actually stated on their packaging "we cater to firefighter-sized appetites").
- In fact, here is a brief comparison:
1. Subway (http://www.subway.com/en-ca/menunutrition/menu/all )
- Meatball Marinara 6" for ~4.30$ : 490 Calories, Fat 18g, Cholesterol 40mg, Sodium 1030mg, Carbs 60g, Sugars 12g, Protein 22g
- Steak & Cheese 6" for ~6.50$: 380 Calories, Fat 10g, Cholesterol 50mg, Sodium 1030mg, Carbs 49g, Sugars 9g, Protein 26g
2. Quiznos (http://www.quiznos.ca/en/)
- Black Angus Steak 9" for ~7.99$ (mozzarella, cheddar sautéed onion, sautéed mushrooms, honey bourbon mustard, zesty grille sauce): Calories 740, Fat 22g, Cholesterol 95mg, Sodium 2040mg, Carbs 88g, Sugars 23g, Protein 47g
3. Firehouse (https://www.nutritionix.com/firehouse-subs/menu/premium)
- Meatball 8" for 7.49$ (parmesan cheese + marinara sauce + meatballs + white sub roll + provolone cheese): Calories 840, Fat 50g, Cholesterol 100mg, Sodium 1910mg, Carbs 61g, Sugars 9g, Protein 37g
- Steak & Cheese 8" for 8.99$ (au jus bell peppers + au jus onions + mayo + white sub roll + provolone cheese + sauteed choice steak + spicy mustard): Calories 820, Fat 51g, Cholesterol 110mg, Sodium 2010mg, Carbs 52g, Sugars 6g, Protein 38g
- So yes, Firehouse may not be recommended for the highly-dietary-conscious individuals.
- My subs have always been stacked high with meat, which is actually steamed. Steaming meat can actually prevent overcooking and burning, which could be great within this fast food category (as I have reluctantly eaten overcooked/burned meat on Subway/Quiznos subs in the past).
- I actually prefer Firehouse's sizing over Subway, because I find that I am over-satiated with Subway's 12", yet still famished with their 6". I find Firehouse's 8" are always right-sized for my appetite (however, this may be subjective since I have a thinner body frame ;).
- Yes, Quiznos offers 9" subs, but I would still likely gravitate towards Firehouse, since they seem to offer more signature subs and somewhere north of 40 different sauces!
- Furthermore, they house this revolutionary Coca-Cola dispenser, which apparently stocks 120+ drink options read more