Coyne Public Relations announced it has been selected by Firehouse Subs and the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation as agency of record to provide public relations and crisis communications support. Founded by two former firefighter brothers in 1994, Firehouse Subs has more than 1,180 restaurants in 45 states, Puerto Rico, Canada and non-traditional locations across a family of more than 525 small business owners. The brand’s charitable arm, Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has granted more than $50 million to public safety organizations since it was founded in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina nearly 15 years ago.
“As Firehouse Subs searched for a new agency partner, incomparable crisis communications counsel was our top priority – little did we know how crucial Coyne PR’s timing would be as we joined forces at the start of a global pandemic,” said Liz Slobodian, APR, Director of Public Relations, Firehouse Subs. “Coyne PR impressed us at every stage of the process and the agency’s culture of heartfelt service aligned perfectly with ours. We’re looking forward to working together for a fresh creative take to support our brand storytelling and newly expanded headquarters public relations team.”
The brand’s success to-date is due, in large part, to its commitment to Hearty & Flavorful Food, Heartfelt Service and Public Safety. It’s through that lens that the brand’s love for quality, fellowship and passion for serving guests and their communities comes to life and touches everything they do.
“For Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, it was important to us to not only find an agency partner with deep experience in the restaurant space, but one that was also skilled in helping non-profit organizations succeed through PR,” said Robin Peters, CFRE, Executive Director, Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. “Coyne PR very clearly exemplified their ability to understand the cross-organizational synergy between the brand and its non-profit – and for us, that was paramount.”
“There are brands that would be highly envious of the purpose-driven ethos that define Firehouse Subs and Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. In a highly competitive industry such as the restaurant industry, it’s important to standout with consumers, and this differentiator was an area that Coyne PR leaned into to create a unique storytelling strategy,” said Jennifer Kamienski, Executive Vice President at Coyne PR. “Not only did the Firehouse Subs and Foundation inspire us by giving us rich territory to work with, we automatically had a natural connection – they are great people and we look forward to a long-lasting relationship.”
The Firehouse Subs brand and Foundation will benefit from the agency’s deep crisis and PR expertise in the restaurant space. Brands including Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews, Hard Rock Cafe, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Burger King and the Arby’s Foundation have partnered with Coyne PR to serve up content and experiences that leave media, influencers and guests craving more.
