Next week, a Dunedin sandwich shop is commemorating its 15th anniversary — with a celebratory discount. But how did franchisees Carolyn and Bill Schaefer’s restaurant, Firehouse Subs, come to town in the first place?
Well, after the couple learned of an opportunity from their friends, Firehouse Subs founders and brothers Chris and Robin Sorensen, they believed in the fast-casual, fire station-themed concept so much that they relocated from Jacksonville (the sub empire’s home base) to launch a location of their own.
In 2003, the Schaefers opened the enchanting city that is Dunedin’s one and only Firehouse Subs, where they’ve been building a mix of specialty, classic and create-your-own sandwiches — in both hot and cold varieties — ever since.
Customers who stop in can’t miss the custom, hand-painted mural adorning the main wall. Based on Bill’s former career with an engineering company for a railroad, the mural depicts the railroad in the heart of downtown Dunedin and includes all of the Schaefers’ family members.
In honor of the 15 years that Firehouse Subs Dunedin has been around, guests who drop by the restaurant to dine in at anytime on Monday will score $2-off combo meals.
This article appears in May 10-17, 2018.
