Firehouse Subs - Ajax

A little bit like Quizno's, which had a superior product but cost a bit more, but unfortunately couldn't survive the competition. We'll see if Firehouse Subs has what it takes to compete in Ontario's high-wage/high tax market. Tough for any restaurant to survive when you have to pay a 13% tax when you go to one, but pay no tax when you buy groceries. And can I be honest? I don't like being asked if I want to donate to charity every time I buy something. Let me decide which charities I want to donate to and let me get a receipt so I can write it off, don't make me feel pressured into giving to a charity I'm not familiar with and get no tax break.

We went to Firehouse subs after hearing some good reviews. This is a step up from your average sub shop. You order your sub and then wait at a table for it to arrive. It may take some time depending on how many people are in front of you. The subs come well loaded with all the topping that you selected! The biggest negative was the price. For 2 large subs it came to over $20 (no drinks, no sides).

My husband and I went for lunch at Firehouse Subs in Ajax after seeing the sign-shaking dalmatian outside almost everyday for the last week. We thought we had to give it a try.We were very happy we did!Service:When we walked into the restaurant, the staff all greeted us with a big "Welcome to Firehouse". We were asked if it was our first time there and given an overview of the place and shown the most popular subs on the menu. Our subs were delivered fairly quickly to our table after ordering as well. Very friendly staff.Food:We each got a regular-sized sub and made it a meal. I chose the "Hook and Ladder" and my husband got the "New York Steamer". Both were very good, perfect amount of toppings and we both really liked the bread!Cost: We would say this is on the expensive side for a sub shop - but also thought it was worth it for the quality of the food. We paid just under $25 for 2 regular subs, 2 fountain drinks, a cookie and a bag of chips.Atmosphere: The decor is made to look like a fire hall and has an industrial feel. Plus - it smells amazing in there!Overall:We will definitely go back in the future and recommend that others give this place a try!

Parking is not perfect, but you won't need to walk more than 90 seconds. Area looks nice and clean, plenty of room to sit. Place is well staffed and friendly. Upon payment they asked if I wanted to round up to the nearest dollar as a donation. It felt good. It's not like the typical sub shop, you take a number and sit and wait for it to come to your table. Little slower than the competitors, in particular if you are on a lunch break. Been 15 minutes since I ordered, still no food. Food on the table in 19 mins. So I just had my wait explained, am I ever impressed. The young lady Katie, told me that there was an error in how my sub was made. THEY CAUGHT IT! This was a fabulous touch. She also made it right. THANK YOU KATIE! You are a true representative to what customer service is all about. Excellent food! Good price! Over the top customer service. See you again real soon Firehouse Subs! Perfect lunch!!

Pros: Atmosphere was good will Firehall décor; lots of seating for fast food, Clean, friendly staff and quick service (7 people working behind the counter as opposed to competition who has 1 or 2), subs were tasty and filling and had a good serving of meat. There is a hot sauce bar with about 40 bottles of hot sauce ranging in heat from 1 - 10 and little takeout cups to carry out with. Since I like hot sauce, this was good as I could try a selection. Subs come in 8" and 12". Cons: Parking is limited since restaurant shares parking lot with Costco and The Keg which draw big crowds; The sub counter is solid and high so you can't see your sub being made; you select your toppings from a picture at the cash (I'd rather see the fresh toppings to make my selection), and our subs were soggy by the time we got home (10 minutes). It seems like they put the sub sauce (which is very tasty) on the bottom bread rather than on top of the fillings. I felt the subs were a bit more costly than the competition however, some of the funds go to a first responder charity which is a good cause (although I haven't had the chance to read up on this to know exactly where the funds go); I was also asked if I would round up my bill to the nearest dollar for the same charity. I like to support good causes so I didn't mind, but I know this is not acceptable by some. I wasn't wow'd but I'll likely go back at some point as I realize this is new and they're still perfecting their service, but I'll wait for them to become more established.