Why: Firehouse Subs is a fast-casual restaurant that is part of a nationwide franchise founded by brothers and former firefighters Chris and Robin Sorensen. Vancouver’s store opened in December 2013 and is one of more than 830 locations. It is the first in Washington.
The menu features hot and cold submarine sandwiches, and if you’re counting calories, you’re in luck: a light menu offers six subs and four salads, each under 500 calories.
Firehouse Subs is dedicated to providing money, life-saving equipment, and educational opportunities to first responders and public safety organizations through its nonprofit foundation. Diners can participate by rounding up their bill to the nearest dollar or by purchasing one of the restaurant’s recycled pickle buckets for $2 each.
What I tried: My dining companion and I tried the Firehouse Meatball Sub on white bread and the Firehouse Beef & Cheddar Brisket Sub on wheat bread. We also sampled the chili, a chocolate chip cookie and a lemon drop cookie.
The chili was mushy instead of having a saucy consistency. The ground meat in the chili was present in various sizes: from finely ground pieces to big, spoonful-sized chunks. It had a sweetness I did not find appetizing.
Of the two submarine sandwiches, I enjoyed the meatball sub more than the beef brisket sub. The meatballs were tasty and had a wonderful texture that was not the least bit spongy, and I did not encounter any gristle. The marinara sauce complemented the meatballs and melted provolone in true Italian fashion. The bread was fresh, soft and delightfully toasted to perfection. Overall, I thought it an expertly designed sub.
The beef brisket sub consisted of tender, lean, brisket (smoked for more than 16 hours), cheddar cheese, mayonnaise and Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce (my personal favorite). The meat was terrific and the sauce was balanced without overpowering it. The mayonnaise was undetectable and there was such a small amount added to the sub I wondered at its presence in the first place. Unfortunately, the flavor of the cheese did not come through either. The wheat bread tasted good but it was a bit tough on the outside. In my opinion, this beef brisket sub was good, but it could be great.
Both of the cookies were fresh.
Atmosphere: The theme of the restaurant is everything firehouse. Tabletops have a black and white Dalmatian print, and walls are decorated with select pieces of firefighting equipment and photos. A mural, featuring local landmarks, makes for an interesting focal point. In addition to tables and chairs, there is a window-side counter with seating. Beverages and extra utensils are help-yourself style. A soda dispenser allows diners to add different syrups of their choosing.
Other observations: The wait staff was courteous and friendly, and they are trained to greet every customer as they enter the restaurant. I was surprised when my dining companion asked if they had chipotle sauce and the employee had to ask a co-worker. The answer she received was: “We have Sriracha sauce.” That’s not quite the same thing. In spite of this lack of food knowledge, the wait staff circulates throughout the dining area often to clear empty baskets and trash, and ask if diners are enjoying their meal.
For the most part, the subs exceeded my expectations. I found the decor a bit busy, especially with the tabletop Dalmatian dots staring up at me. I also found the temperature on the cool side; keep that in mind if you’re planning a visit.
Menu highlights beyond what I tried: The Firehouse Hero is loaded with roast beef, smoked turkey breast, Virginia honey ham and provolone. The tuna salad sub features an old fire department recipe. Momma’s Homemade Chicken Salad comes in a chopped version with romaine lettuce, tomato, bell pepper, cucumber, mozzarella, peperoncini, Kalamata olives and a light Italian dressing. The salad is then topped with a scoop of chicken salad with pecans. Brownies and cookies sum up the dessert choices.
Cost: Submarine sandwiches come in two sizes and range from $6.09 to $9.59. The under-500 calorie menu starts at $5.49 and tops out at $7.69. A Kids’ Combo (12-ounce fountain drink, sandwich, dessert and a kid-sized fire hat) is $3.99.
Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Telephone: 360-253-4200.
Where: 19151 S.E. Mill Plain Blvd., Suite 102, Vancouver.
Online: www.firehousesubs.com
Health score: Firehouse Subs received a score of zero on July 15. Zero is a perfect score, and Clark County Public Health closes restaurants with a score of 100 or higher. For information, call 360-397-8428.
