When comparing Firehouse Subs vs Arbys, the decision often depends on whether you prefer steamed subs or classic roast beef sandwiches. Firehouse Subs is famous for hearty hot subs filled with premium meats, cheeses, and bold recipes. Arby’s, on the other hand, has carved its identity around roast beef sandwiches, curly fries, and unique fast-food offerings.
Firehouse Subs leans toward the fast-casual dining experience, with generous portions and crafted flavors. Arby’s offers a traditional quick-service model, appealing to customers who want value, speed, and a variety of sandwiches beyond just roast beef. This makes the comparison a battle of flavor-packed subs versus iconic fast-food classics.
| Feature | Firehouse Subs | Arby’s |
|---|---|---|
| Signature Items | Hot subs like Hook & Ladder®, Meatball Sub, Smokehouse Brisket | Roast Beef Sandwiches, Beef ‘n Cheddar, Curly Fries |
| Flavor Profile | Bold, steamed, hearty flavors | Classic, savory, fast-food style |
| Portion Sizes | Larger subs, filling meals | Smaller to medium-sized, wide price range |
| Pricing | Higher price point, premium ingredients | Value options plus premium sandwiches |
| Store Presence | 1,200+ locations, North America | 3,400+ locations, U.S. nationwide |
Menu and Ingredient Comparison
Firehouse Subs offers signature items like the Hook & Ladder®, New York Steamer, and Smokehouse Beef & Cheddar Brisket, each served hot and steamed. Arby’s highlights its famous Roast Beef Sandwiches, the Beef ‘n Cheddar, and newer menu items like Brisket Bacon Beef Dip. While Firehouse emphasizes freshness and premium quality, Arby’s balances tradition with innovation in the fast-food sandwich space.
Signature Offerings
Firehouse Subs thrives on firefighter-inspired hot subs, such as the Turkey Bacon Ranch and Firehouse Meatball Sub. These are hearty meals built for big appetites. Arby’s menu goes beyond roast beef with chicken sandwiches, sliders, and Market Fresh sandwiches, but its roast beef lineup remains its biggest draw.
Portion Sizes and Pricing
Firehouse Subs generally offers larger subs with premium ingredients, making them slightly more expensive but also more filling. Arby’s provides a wider range of price points, from value menu items to premium sandwiches, making it accessible to all budgets. If you want hearty portions, Firehouse wins; for fast food variety at different price levels, Arby’s has the advantage.
Store Presence and Accessibility
Arby’s has a massive footprint with over 3,400 locations nationwide, making it one of the largest roast beef chains in the U.S. Firehouse Subs has a more modest but growing presence with over 1,200 restaurants, mostly across North America. This means Arby’s offers greater accessibility, while Firehouse Subs targets quality-focused, community-driven markets.
Final Verdict
The Firehouse Subs vs Arby’s matchup highlights the contrast between fast-casual dining and classic fast food. Firehouse Subs appeals to those who want premium, hearty subs with bold flavors, while Arby’s wins for quick service, roast beef heritage, and nationwide accessibility.
If you’re craving filling, quality-driven hot subs, Firehouse Subs is the better choice. But if you want familiar fast-food classics and roast beef sandwiches available everywhere, Arby’s has you covered.
