Sejal and Harsh Patel |
Firehouse Subs | 1000 Chapel View Blvd., Suite 108, Cranston
The pitch: Firehouse Subs makes and sells sub sandwiches and salads, and offers catering. It’s the first Firehouse Subs franchise to open in Rhode Island.
Years in business: Opened Jan. 14
Employees: 10-15
Cost to obtain franchise: $20,000 initial franchise fee; $350,000 total approximate investment
Before opening franchise: The Patels had worked as engineers in Massachusetts for the last few years. Sejal Patel also had previous experience managing a Subway restaurant.
Reason for opening: The Patels felt Firehouse Subs’ business model, which offers quality food and helps local first responders, was attractive to them.
“We also help our first responders. We ask customers to round up to a dollar amount [on the bill] and whatever change they would like to [donate]. That donation will go to our Public Safety Foundation. Then … every fire department and police department can apply every quarter for a grant through the foundation to purchase lifesaving equipment.” – Harsh Patel
“There hasn’t been a location in this state. We like the location because there are many successful franchise restaurants around us here in Chapel View. We felt this was a good location [to open].” – Harsh Patel
“I have signed up to open three locations. The plan is to open either in Warwick or Providence, and also open a location in Massachusetts.” – Harsh Patel
“We steam the meat and cheese. No one else around us does that. It’s really healthy and that brings a very good taste compared to all of the other operators. We slice the meat every day and it’s all fresh.” – Harsh Patel
“So far, my [store] rep has been so happy [with us] because usually anytime a new restaurant opens, they get so many complaints. I have not received any complaints thus far.” – Harsh Patel
