Critic's Review
I'm not a huge fan of Firehouse Subs, and you can argue that it's fast food and we usually don't cover fast food, but there's not much going on around here. They're advertising their "half subs" for $3.99 on their website, so I figured it wouldn't cost me much to try it out. Plus when a place first opens sometimes they go out of their way to be a bit better. What I didn't know at the time was that this is the Cordova Road operation that has moved to a new location.
Inside this place doesn't really look like a new restaurants; maybe it's the signature fireman's gear hanging as you enter. The Checkers-like color scheme give's it sort of a 50s feel .
I checked their menu online before coming here; I had trouble finding an Italian Sub. They only have 1 sub listed under cold subs; Tuna Fish. How could that be? They list the italian sub as a hot sub, which is simply wrong. Apparently they melt the cheese.
I went in completely prepared; I got to the counter and ordered "Small Italian Sub, Loaded, with Banana Peppers on the side, To Go".
Unfortunately the girl was unable to remember that much stuff. So she proceeded to ask me 10 questions that I'd already answered. So an order that should have taken 15 seconds took 2 minutes.
The $3.99 subs are no-where to be found here; my 1/2 sub was $4.70. There were only 2 orders in front of mine, but it took a good 10 minutes for them to make the sandwich. While I was waiting I noticed the conveyer belt they used to send the sandwiches through to melt the cheese. Cutting edge technology. They also have a bunch of kids working behind the counter; no showman sandwich masters like at LaSpada.
When it was ready, I checked the bag. "I asked for banana peppers", I told the sandwich dude. "Oh, you wanted them on the side". Yeah. Good thing I checked.
When I got it I home, I opened up the bag. They're packaging sets a new low bar in the industry.
One old, soggy pickle spear, down from 2 a few years back. I opened up the sandwich to see what was going on inside.
Nice job with the ham; what is that, chipped ham? Could they spare the onion. And a pretty bad looking tomato. One more layer.
Good grief. Mayo, no mustard,and the cheese was barely detectable. What a crap sandwich. Good thing I asked for the banana peppers.
The pickles belonged on the sandwich, and luckily I had provolone in the fridge. This would be much better.
You can always salvage a sub with ingredients you have in the house. Just make sure you do take out.
Conclusion
This may be a new location, but it's the same sad business that was over on Cordova Road by Publix, owned by a large Franchisor from Weston who owns at least 4 other Firehouse franchise stores.
Firehouse reminds me of a Quiznos that's branded to take advantage of the bleeding hearts that get teary eyed whenever you tell them something benefits Fireman. It's kind of a gimmick; which would be fine if the food was good. But this place can barely compete with Subway.