1. Firehouse Subs
Overall score: 62.1%
Service/Hospitality: 72.5%
Food/Beverage: 61.4%
Appearance/Ambiance: 60.5%
Convenience/Takeout: 67.6%
Value: 53.1%
Firehouse Subs scores among the top 10 chains specifically for brand image. While that is a testament to its signature sandwich menu, it can also be attributed to millennials’ and Gen Zers’ desire to support brands with a cause. Firehouse Subs is vocal about its charitable giving, crossing the $23 million mark for donations to public safety entities in 2016, says CEO Don Fox. “The loyalty this produces with our customers is dramatic,” he says. While these efforts remained a focus, the chain did veer from its traditional marketing strategies with a new humor-driven ad campaign.
Parent: Firehouse Subs
HQ: Jacksonville, Fla.
Units: 944