Florida sub chain coming to Springfield

The first Springfield franchise of Jacksonville, Fla.-based fast-casual restaurant chain Firehouse Subs is slated to open in June.

Franchisee Jason Pullman said he is shooting for a June 14 opening date in 2,800 square feet of space leased from Jared Properties in the Twin Oaks Plaza near National Avenue and Republic Road.

The restaurant represents the first Firehouse Subs franchise for Pullman, who relocated to Springfield after about 20 years as a Subway franchisee in north Arkansas and Los Angeles.  

"Northwest Arkansas is taken by two other franchisees. Of the available markets, I just like Springfield the most," Pullman said of his decision to select the area.

Pullman, who secured franchise rights for Springfield and Branson, said he'll be looking to open three other restaurants in the Queen City and two in Branson. He noted Firehouse Subs' franchise fees are $20,000 per store, plus royalties of 6 percent.

With more than 600 locations, including 11 in Missouri, Firehouse Subs specializes in hot sandwiches. The company gets its name from its two co-founders, brothers who were firefighters before opening the company in 1994, according to FirehouseSubs.com.