Firehouse Subs, the Jacksonville, Florida-based fast casual sandwich chain, grew from approximately 400 locations to over 1,200 restaurants under the leadership of Don Fox. Serving as CEO from 2009 to 2023, Fox guided the brand through a period of explosive growth, culminating in its $1 billion acquisition by Restaurant Brands International in December 2021 — the largest restaurant deal of that year. A 50-year veteran of the restaurant industry, Fox began his career scrubbing pots at a New Jersey Italian restaurant and rose through the ranks at Six Flags and Burger King before transforming Firehouse Subs into a nationally recognized brand. He is also a published military historian and an accomplished trumpet player.

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Don Fox – Quick Facts

Firehouse Subs Competitors

Firehouse Subs operates in the highly competitive fast casual sandwich segment. The brand’s key competitors include:

• Subway – the world’s largest sub chain by location count, with 37,000+ restaurants globally
• Jersey Mike’s Subs – fast-growing competitor with 3,000+ locations and fresh-sliced meats
• Jimmy John’s – known for “freaky fast” delivery and 2,700+ locations
• Potbelly Sandwich Works – publicly traded sandwich chain focused on toasted subs
• Quiznos – toasted sub pioneer with declining but still significant presence
• Which Wich Superior Sandwiches – customizable sandwich concept
• TOGO’s – West Coast chain with revamped “3.0” concept
• McAlister’s Deli – FOCUS Brands subsidiary competing in fast casual sandwiches

Don Fox Net Worth 2026 – Firehouse Subs CEO Salary

As of 2026, Don Fox’s net worth is estimated at approximately $20–35 million USD. This estimate reflects his 13-year tenure as CEO during which Firehouse Subs grew from roughly 400 locations to over 1,200, culminating in a $1 billion acquisition by Restaurant Brands International. As a private subsidiary of RBI, Firehouse Subs does not publicly disclose individual executive compensation. Fox’s wealth is attributed to his long career in the restaurant industry, including over two decades at Burger King and his leadership role during the landmark RBI acquisition.

Estimated Compensation Overview

Firehouse Subs Net Worth 2026 – Is Firehouse Subs Profitable?

Yes, Firehouse Subs is a profitable business. Acquired by Restaurant Brands International (NYSE: QSR) for $1 billion in December 2021, Firehouse Subs has continued to grow under RBI’s ownership. The brand reported system-wide sales of approximately $1.2 billion in 2024, up from $1.19 billion in 2023. Firehouse Subs is one of four major brands in the RBI portfolio alongside Burger King, Tim Hortons, and Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen.

Firehouse Subs Financial Summary

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Firehouse Subs CEO Email Address | Don Fox Contact

Below are the contact details and social media profiles for former Firehouse Subs CEO Don Fox. Note that Fox transitioned to Chairman in March 2023 and may no longer be reachable at his former corporate email:

Career & Education – Company, University, & College

Don Fox’s career in the restaurant industry spanned an impressive 50 years, beginning as a teenage dishwasher at an Italian restaurant in Lakewood, New Jersey. His management career began in 1976 when, as a senior in high school, he took a position at Great Adventure, the local Six Flags amusement park. Within two years, he advanced to district manager overseeing multiple food service locations.

In 1980, Fox joined Burger King Corporation and relocated to Tampa, Florida, starting as an assistant manager. Over the next 23 years, he held a wide range of roles spanning R&D, field operations, and management. After being laid off from Burger King following nearly two decades of service, Fox joined Firehouse Subs in 2003 as Director of Franchise Compliance.

Fox’s rise at Firehouse Subs was rapid. By early 2005, he was promoted to Chief Operating Officer, and in 2009, he was elevated to Chief Executive Officer. Under his leadership, the chain expanded from approximately 400 locations to over 1,200 restaurants nationwide. His crowning achievement was negotiating the $1 billion sale of Firehouse Subs to Restaurant Brands International in December 2021 — the same parent company that owns Burger King, his former employer.

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Don Fox Career Timeline

Education

Don Fox attended Howell High School in Howell, New Jersey. No university or college education has been publicly disclosed. Fox’s career path was rooted in hands-on restaurant industry experience rather than formal higher education, a trajectory he has spoken about publicly — from pot scrubber to CEO.

Don Fox Wiki – Age, Family, & More

Don Fox (age approximately 68 as of 2026) grew up in New Jersey and now resides in the Jacksonville, Florida area. He is a devoted family man who enjoys spending time with his wife. The couple share a love of hiking and frequently attend baseball games together. Fox has maintained a connection to the Jersey Shore throughout his life.

Notable Achievements & Recognitions

• $1 Billion Acquisition – Led Firehouse Subs through its landmark sale to Restaurant Brands International in 2021, the largest restaurant deal of the year
• 3x Growth – Expanded Firehouse Subs from ~400 locations to 1,200+ during his 13-year tenure as CEO
• FastCasual.com #1 Mover & Shaker – Ranked the #1 executive among 20 industry leaders by FastCasual’s Top 100 Movers and Shakers list
• Operator of the Year – Selected as Operator of the Year for the Chain Limited Service category
• FRLA Lifetime Achievement Award – Received the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association Lifetime Achievement Award
• Published Author – Wrote Patton’s Vanguard: The United States Fourth Armored Division (2003) and Final Battles of Patton’s Vanguard (2020), both well-regarded WWII military histories
• Upcoming Book – Welcome to Firehouse!, the history of Firehouse Subs, scheduled for early 2026 release

Beyond the restaurant industry, Fox is a passionate military historian and published author. He has written two acclaimed books on the U.S. Army’s Fourth Armored Division in World War II, based on interviews with surviving veterans. He is also an accomplished trumpet player and amateur astronomer. Fox has been deeply involved in the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, which has donated over $80 million in equipment, funding, and educational support to first responders since 2005.

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About Firehouse Subs

Firehouse Subs is an American fast casual restaurant chain founded in 1994 by former firefighter brothers Chris Sorensen and Robin Sorensen in Jacksonville, Florida. The brand is known for its hearty, hot sub sandwiches served on toasted sub rolls, its firefighting theme, and its commitment to public safety through the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation.

In December 2021, Restaurant Brands International acquired Firehouse Subs for $1 billion in an all-cash transaction, making it the fourth brand in RBI’s portfolio alongside Burger King, Tim Hortons, and Popeyes. RBI has since invested in digital transformation, new menu innovation, and international expansion for the Firehouse Subs brand. The company relocated its Jacksonville headquarters to a larger 40,000 sq. ft. space in Deerwood North in April 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is the current CEO of Firehouse Subs?

Don Fox retired as CEO in March 2023. Mike Hancock, formerly COO, was appointed President of Firehouse Subs, U.S. and Canada, effective March 31, 2023. Don Fox transitioned to the role of Chairman. Firehouse Subs is a subsidiary of Restaurant Brands International.

What is Don Fox’s net worth in 2026?

Don Fox’s net worth is estimated at $20–35 million USD as of 2026. This figure reflects his 50-year career in the restaurant industry, including 13 years as CEO of Firehouse Subs and his role in the $1 billion RBI acquisition. Exact figures are not publicly disclosed.

What was Firehouse Subs CEO’s salary?

Don Fox’s salary as CEO of Firehouse Subs was not publicly disclosed, as the company was privately held and later became a subsidiary of Restaurant Brands International. Industry benchmarks suggest QSR chain CEOs of comparable size earn $1–3 million in base salary plus performance bonuses.

What is Don Fox’s email address?

Don Fox’s email address is [email protected]. He can also be reached via Twitter/X at @DonMFox and on LinkedIn. Note that Fox retired from the CEO role in 2023 and now serves as Chairman.

Why did Don Fox leave Firehouse Subs?

Don Fox announced his retirement on March 31, 2023, after 50 years in the restaurant business and 13 years as Firehouse Subs CEO. He stated he was “moving on to a new stage of life” while remaining involved as Chairman and continuing his work with the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation.

Is Firehouse Subs profitable?

Yes, Firehouse Subs is profitable. The brand generated approximately $1.2 billion in system-wide sales in 2024, representing 3.3% year-over-year growth. Top-performing franchise locations achieve average unit volumes of approximately $1.35 million. The brand operates as part of Restaurant Brands International (NYSE: QSR).

Article last updated:January 2026March 2, 2026