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Monday, April 22, 2013

Firehouse Subs plans 12 restaurants in southern Idaho


Firehouse Subs, a chain based in Jacksonville, Fla., plans to open 12 restaurants throughout southern Idaho, including at least one in Idaho Falls this year.

The first one is tentatively scheduled to open in Boise in mid-June, said Emily Oliver of the Zimmerman Agency, which handles public relations for the chain. "Idaho Falls is not in the book for June or July, but I know it will be sometime in the following months," she said.

The expansion into Idaho is being spearheaded by Randy Judd of West Valley City, Utah, who has more than 25 years in restaurants and franchising. Judd became the area representative for Utah three years ago. So far, he has opened four restaurants, with another three in development. The Idaho buildout is scheduled to take place over seven years.

Judd’s responsibilities include selling franchises and providing franchisees the overall marketing and operational support in their respective markets. “The brand provides its franchisees with an incredible level of support and we believe the Idaho community will embrace our restaurants as those in Utah have,” he said.

The chain was founded by former firefighters and brothers Chris Sorensen and Robin Sorensen, and has a special dedication to serving first responders. In 2005, the Sorensens created the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation with the mission of providing funding, life-saving equipment and educational opportunities to fire departments around the United States. Through the non-profit 501(c)(3), Firehouse Subs has distributed $5.7 million in 36 states and Puerto Rico.