New sandwich shop serves community, first responders

A new restaurant in Palm Springs is serving both subs and the community in a collective effort. The business started with two firefighters and a desire to help feed first responders.

Firehouse Subs opened its first store in the Coachella Valley at Ramon Road and Gene Autry Trail on Wednesday and it’s already fully involved in the community.

Focusing on philanthropy and food, 700 shops across the country have raised millions of dollars for community first responders by selling meaty sandwiches.

“Our local first responders can apply for grants for fire safety equipment for training, or life saving equipment, so every shop we open up will give back to the local community, especially fire departments to support the local community,” said Jeff Press, a representative for Firehouse Subs in Palm Springs.

The grants range from $10,000 to $30,000 and help provide fire departments with thermal imaging cameras, extrication tools, uniforms and emergency medical equipment.

The Palm Springs Fire Department will receive grant money from the restaurant next week.

Representatives said they also give money to support victims of natural disasters by deploying funds to the affected communities.

If you’d like to give back to our first responders, there are multiple ways to go about it at Firehouse Subs. First, you can round up the total on your receipt; that extra money will go to the Public Safety Foundation.

You can also make a donation in a canister located at the restaurant or by purchasing a pickle bucket for $2.

In one day, the sandwich shop raised more than $1,000 for the Public Safety Foundation by serving up tasty subs with names like ‘The Hook and Ladder’ and ‘The Engineer’. The restaurant also has a variety of hot sauces for you to try, ranging from mild and sweet to extra hot. Hot sauces labeled with the #10 are only for the bravest eaters.

The Palm Springs Fire Department donated authentic gear to decorate the walls of the restaurant.

Firehouse Subs is not associated with Rocs Firehouse Grille.