Firehouse Subs Southbrook Station

Look, I know what a chain sub shop is and so do you. But this one earned a nod from me. The first couple visits felt thin, ingredients hiding from the menu photos, prep times that tested my patience. Somebody fixed it. Now the Hook & Ladder shows up loaded, the chili is genuinely good, and Ricky behind the counter built mine off the app order without a single miss. I ordered from the driveway and it was sitting ready when I walked in.

What sours me is the nickel-and-diming. A buck fifty for a cube of cheese melting into my chili, a tip line staring me down, a slip of paper riding along inside my club. That stuff cheapens an otherwise solid sandwich. Run the 2 for $20 large special, skip the cheese upcharge, and you walk out happy.