Firehouse Subs, a fast-casual sandwich chain known for its hot subs and public safety-focused mission, is preparing to open a new location in Poway at 13452 Poway Rd.
The company submitted plans for the space currently occupied by H&R Block, according to the San Diego Department of Environmental Health and Quality. Franchise owner Ronisha Khanal tells Whatnow San Diego she hopes to open the Poway location at the end of September 2026.
In addition to the Poway project, Khanal is also planning a second Firehouse Subs location in Grantville on Friars Road. An exact timeline for the Grantville opening has not yet been confirmed. Both locations are part of her broader expansion plans for the San Diego market, as the brand continues growing its footprint across Southern California.
Firehouse Subs was founded in 1994 in Jacksonville, Florida, by two former firefighter brothers, and began franchising in 1995. The brand has grown to more than 1,400 locations worldwide and is now part of Restaurant Brands International, which also owns Burger King, Tim Hortons, and Popeyes.
The concept has built its identity around hearty sandwiches and a strong connection to public safety initiatives through its foundation. A major part of the brand’s mission is the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, which provides funding for lifesaving equipment and resources for first responders.
The company has also been actively expanding through franchising, supported by recent corporate development incentives aimed at encouraging new store openings across North America, according to a press release. Those incentives include cash bonuses for operators opening multiple locations through 2028.
Menu offerings center on hot subs prepared with steamed meats and cheeses, including core items like the Hook and Ladder, which features smoked turkey breast, Virginia honey ham, and melted Monterey Jack cheese. Each sandwich is served on a toasted private recipe roll designed to hold the brand’s signature hot ingredients. The menu focuses on bold, filling sandwiches with customizable combinations.
