Local Entrepreneur Fuels Franchise Growth in Texas

SAN ANTONIO –  Firehouse Subs®, the firefighter-founded hot sub brand known for its unwavering commitment to community impact, is heating up development in Texas.

The brand announced today a multi-unit agreement with the operator, William Ellis, to develop new restaurants in San Antonio. This will result in more than 130 Firehouse Subs restaurants in Texas and further establish the brand’s growth in South Central Texas. The first restaurant under this agreement is expected to open in the summer of 2026, serving the brand’s signature hot subs and a menu built around consistency, value, and craveable flavor.

“Firehouse Subs has always been one of my favorite sandwich brands, and when I started exploring franchise opportunities, it quickly stood out because of the room it has to grow in San Antonio,” said William Ellis. “I look forward to bringing the brand to more neighborhoods across the west and north sides of the city and building something that becomes a true destination for the community.”

William Ellis is a young entrepreneur and commercial real estate developer bringing new growth to the Firehouse Subs brand in San Antonio. After beginning his career at a consulting firm following college, he later pivoted to explore opportunities in franchising. After extensive research, he recognized the brand’s strong growth potential and its connection to the community through the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation®. He is focused on growing the brand locally and establishing Firehouse Subs as a go-to destination for guests across the region.

The agreement supports the broader growth strategy for Firehouse Subs, backed by operational efficiency, innovative restaurant design, and comprehensive franchisee support.

“We are proud to align with William Ellis, and we believe that he will make a strong impact in San Antonio,” said Kelly Crummer, Senior Director of Franchising at Firehouse Subs. “We offer entrepreneurs the opportunity to become part of a value-centric brand known for hearty food, heartfelt service, and strong operational support. We are in an exciting chapter of growth at Firehouse Subs, and we look forward to continuing to grow with the right partners.”

Firehouse Subs is actively seeking experienced, mission-oriented operators to support its next phase of growth, with a focus on offering franchises to multi-unit operators and disciplined single-unit owners with the vision, capability, and commitment necessary to support scalable growth. As the brand continues its expansion across the United States and Canada, it is prioritizing growth in high-potential, competitive markets, offering franchisees the opportunity to grow with a system built on strong operational excellence, meaningful community impact, and long-term brand durability.

To learn more about franchising at Firehouse Subs, visit franchising.firehousesubs.com and connect with Firehouse Subs on LinkedIn*.

About Firehouse Subs

Firehouse Subs® is a restaurant chain with a passion for hearty and flavorful food, heartfelt service, and public safety. Franchising since 1995, Firehouse Subs has grown to over 1,400 locations worldwide. Founded in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1994 by two former firefighting brothers, the brand is built on decades of hot and hearty subs piled with high-quality meats and cheeses, and is committed to saving lives through the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation®, providing lifesaving equipment and needed resources to first responders and public safety organizations. Firehouse Subs is a subsidiary of Restaurant Brands International, Inc. (“RBI”), one of the world’s largest quick service restaurant companies with over $45 billion in annual system-wide sales and approximately 32,000 restaurants in more than 120 countries and territories. RBI owns four of the world’s most prominent and iconic quick service restaurant brands – Burger King®, Tim Hortons®, Popeyes®, and Firehouse Subs®. To join the Firehouse Subs family, visit franchising.firehousesubs.com.

*The information contained in this press release does not constitute an offer to sell a franchise. An offer to sell a franchise can only be made through delivery of a Franchise Disclosure Document. None of the communications made through this press release should be construed as an offer to sell a franchise.

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