Charlotte · Restaurants

Firehouse Subs at the Epicentre in Charlotte

Suzanne Strength

We were honored to be invited by the Co-founder of Firehouse Subs to attend an invitation only soda/sandwich pairing at Firehouse Subs at the Epicentre in Charlotte on Tuesday night.  At first I was skeptical, thinking it was a marketing ploy designed to garner good reviews for their restaurant, but hey, free food won over my good sense.  I am so glad I didn’t pre-judge.  That tasting has made a customer of me for life, and I’ve already told 4 people so much about my experience, that they too are anxious to go.  Brilliant is what that marketing plan was!

Before going in, we walked around a bit to see what the Epicentre had to offer.  Turns out that place is pretty cool.  It’s a little expensive to park, but well worth it for the plethora of restaurants, clubs and fun stuff.  Here are a few of the things we saw while strolling:

Bank of America Corporate Center top IMG_1645 IMG_1646 IMG_1647 IMG_1648

We sampled 4 different subs while we enjoyed the founder, Robin Sorenson, sharing anecdotes and stories about the start up of his company, their mission, and the charities that they support.  What I learned is that you can start a huge company that begins with a small dream, and that the company gives a ton of money to various charities, but locally, nationally and even internationally.  Also, we learned about the quality of their ingredients, which is second to none in the sandwich business.  Another thing that separates Firehouse from other sub shops is the service provided.  I’ve never been in one when I wasn’t greeted upon arrival and then provided with exceptional service while there.  Also, their dining room is large enough for people who wish to dine in.  There were 50 seats at the restaurant we visited.

Robin Sorenson
Robin Sorenson

The first sub we got to sample was called the Hook and Ladder.  It consists of smoked turkey breast, Virginia honey ham, melted Monterey Jack cheese, and topped with Lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise and mustard.  All of this served with a crunchy kosher dill pickle on the side.

All of this sounds pretty basic when I write it down, but these sandwiches are anything but.  First, the meat they use is top quality.  None of the pre-sliced coldcuts like at Subway, and no cutting corners with cheap cuts of meat.  Their meat is always USDA choice, not a claim most sub places can make.  The bread they used is baked especially for them, and always steamed so your sandwich is soft and chewy.  The mayonnaise they use is a double yolk mayo which tastes far more rich and creamy.  All of their cheese is Sargento.  My point in telling you this, is that if you use quality ingredients, it stands to reason that you will serve a quality product.  And that is exactly what Firehouse serves.
Hook and Ladder
Hook and Ladder
New York Steamer Sub
New York Steamer Sub
Smokehouse Beef and Cheddar Brisket
Smokehouse Beef and Cheddar Brisket
After all of this delicious food, we were handed a bucket full of a few goodies, and were left with this pearl of wisdom: “Don’t let your lifestyle drive your business.”  Simply put, live within your means.
For my visit, I was rewarded with 5 $10 gift cards for Firehouse Subs.  I am going to do a random drawing for these cards on November 15.  To enter, comment on this blog (and leave me some contact info to find you again if you win!).  If your comment doesn’t show up right away, don’t worry.  I have to approve all comments.  Good Luck!
UPDATE!!!  Thank you for all of the comments, here are the winners!  Please email me your addresses to Barenakedchef AT gmail  Dot com and I’ll get your card in the mail!
  • Sara Wood
  • Tiffany O
  • Sherry Franklin
  • Amy Hart
  • Elizabeth Milam
Congratulations, ladies!

Firehouse Subs on Urbanspoon

Published by Suzanne Strength

You know all of the shows, "Best Of" magazine, newspaper and internet articles? I want to know if they are really worth the fuss. I'm trying to find out if I'd recommend them to MY friends and family. And as often as I can, I'll give you the source of who gave ME the original recommendation.

96 thoughts on “Firehouse Subs at the Epicentre in Charlotte”

  1. We love, love, love f\Firehouse Subs. I actually have a free sub on my punch card to use my next visit.

    Caren C. in AZ

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  2. “Live within your means”, I love it! The food looks delish and I must admit, I have yet to try it but would love to!

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  5. LOVE Firehouse Subs!! Just had one this past Saturday, Nov. 2 for my birthday. Had the Smokehouse Beef and Cheddar Brisket, IT WAS WONDERFUL!!! They have some of the best subs out there. And the employees are always very nice when u go in. I highly recommend..

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  6. I love Firehouse Subs! Whenever I go to visit my In-Laws in SC they have one there, we always stop by! Great sandwiches!

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  7. I just had Firehouse Subs for the first time, last month. I enjoyed the Hook and Ladder. It was a little expensive for lunch, but like you said, it was quality–well worth it! Didn’t get to enjoy my pickle though, my 3-year-old snatched it.

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  8. Firehouse subs are SO delicious!! So happy my friend recommended them to me! 🙂 I highly recommend trying Firehouse Subs!

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  10. We have a Firehouse Subs that just opened up near us and we have been wanting to try it out this would be a good way to test it out if we won 🙂

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  21. I have my eye on that New York Steamer. I have never been to a Firehouse, but I’m thinking I may need to make the effort!

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  25. Susan, sounds delicious! Always up for a GOOD sub…… glad you got a chance to sample and report back to the rest of us.

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  29. Would love to try these subs here in okc! Ty for this contest and the great review too!! Sounds delicious !

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  31. I have never tried Firehouse Subs and live right down the road from one. Would love to win this to try them! Thanks!!

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  32. I love Firehouse Subs! It has been a long time since I have a sub from there though. The Hook & Ladder is a great sub. I am glad you got invited and got the chance to try some yummy food.

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  35. Reading this had made me hungry lol. We have a firehouse sub right up the road and I have never tried it. I think I may have to eat lunch there one day soon.

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  36. Firehouse Subs are so superior to other sub shops. Love all their subs! Especially the Philly Cheesesteak! It’s the one I crave the most! Also admire the Firehouse pride for what they stand for our heroes. Enjoy reading all the heroic stories on the drink cups filed with their signature limeaide 😀

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  39. Just moved to FL and there is one on my way to work. Would love to go there and try their food!

    Jen
    Weeki Wachee FL

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  42. I love my subs and I have got to say…Firehouse exceeds all my expectations! They have amazing sandwiches and you eat FREE on your birthday…how great is that??? Would love to win some gift cards and go back soon!

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  50. We JUST got a Firehouse Subs in town!!! (The closest one was 30 miles away-AND TOTALLY WORTH IT!) My hubby is a fireman and I LOVE the support and things they do for fireman locally & nationally! (miacarey@tds.net)

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  78. Oh Wow!! I just tired Firehouse Subs for the first time on my birthday in September. I absolutely feel in love with their sandwiches. I am determined to try them all. The quality is fantastic, the best I have seen unless it was in a very expensive deli. Thanks for the opportunity. Woo Hoo!!

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  80. I look forward to trying Firehouse Subs out in the near future. The photos you took made me hungry on the spot, and to know they steam the sub instead of microwaving it such as another company makes me want to try it even more.

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  82. I’m really looking forward to trying Firehouse Subs after reading about your experience there. The food sounds delicious and the great service you describe is always a plus.

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  88. my my…making my mouth water just looking at the yummy photos….great review…they are such scrumptious subs…Thank you for sharing 🙂

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  89. Wow I must say the article alone and the descriptions won me over then I seen the pictures they look so yummy . We just had a new FireHouse open up not to far we are wanting to try it. Plus my husband isn’t working so this is a much needed treat.

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