Firehouse Subs will open its first Brazilian restaurant this year, marking its debut in South America.

The expansion is part of a joint venture between parent company Restaurant Brands International (RBI) and Iuri Miranda, former CEO of Zamp, the master franchisee of Firehouse Subs’ sister brands Burger King and Popeyes in Brazil. 

As part of the partnership, Miranda will be the partner and CEO of Firehouse Subs Brazil.

In the longer term, RBI plans to partner with local investors to fuel the continued growth of the sandwich chain.

“I believe Firehouse Subs has an exciting runway for growth, and we have set ambitious expansion plans around the world,” said Thiago Santelmo, President of RBI.

“We expect the launch will contribute to the creation of thousands of jobs over the next decade and will elevate the sandwich experience in the country,” said Miranda.

Firehouse Subs was founded in Jacksonville, Florida in 1994 by two former firefighter brothers. 

The chain boasts more than 1300 restaurants across the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico. In 2023, it opened its first location outside of North America in Switzerland, followed by Mexico in December, and the UAE and Albania last year.