Ribbon-cutting today for new Cornerstone of Centerville restaurant

Firehouse Subs, which earlier this year was named the top "Overall Brand" by Technomic's Chain Restaurant Consumers' Choice Awards, hosts a ribbon-cutting and grand opening today, April 18, at its latest Dayton-area restaurant at the Cornerstone of Centerville development — and more locations are on the way.

The new restaurant located at 5239 Cornerstone North Blvd. will offer a “sneak peek” and host a ribbon-cutting at 10 a.m. today. The new sub shop is owned and operated by David and Jennifer Baker of Centerville, who also operate the Firehouse Subs location on Far Hills Avenue in Kettering. It is the fourth Dayton-area location for the chain, which also operates sub shops in Oakwood near the University of Dayton campus and on Old Troy Pike in Huber Heights.

A fifth Dayton-area Firehouse Subs is gearing up to open in Englewood, while a sixth is in the works in Sidney. Firehouse Subs Area Developer Charles Fryman said he is looking for more locations.

RELATED: Firehouse Subs to add another location; ‘aggressively’ looking for more (February 2017)

Firehouse specializes in hot subs and also serves salads, chili and other sandwiches in an atmosphere that evokes an old-fashioned firehouse. The new 1,800-square-foot Centerville sub shop boasts a custom, hand-painted mural depicting the Sugarcreek Twp. Fire Department putting out a car fire in front of the Dille mansion, which sat on the 156-acre tract that is being developed as the Cornerstone of Centerville retail center.

In the mural’s background is a Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, a large military transport aircraft that is a tribute to franchisee David Baker’s brother Lt. Colonel Michael Baker, a pilot with the 445th Airlift Wing at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

Ex-cop to open ‘made-to-order’ doughnut shop

David Baker said last week that the new restaurant will give back to the community through the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation.

Firehouse Subs created the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation in 2005 with the mission of providing funding, life-saving equipment and educational opportunities to fire departments and other public safety organizations. The foundation has given more than $25 million to first responders and their departments in 46 states, Puerto Rico and Canada.

RELATED: Firehouse Subs donates life-saving equipment to 2 fire departments

Each Firehouse Subs location recycles leftover, five-gallon pickle buckets, available to guests for a $2 donation to the foundation. Donation canisters on register counters explain the nonprofit’s mission and collect spare change, while the Round Up Program allows guests to “round up” their bill to the nearest dollar. All funds raised benefit the foundation.

The foundation, David Baker said, “has had a significant impact on the Miami Valley” by donating $172,000 in equipment grants to 12 local Fire and Police departments since Firehouse Subs debuted in Dayton in 2013.

“This is a big accomplishment for our area in just four short years,” Baker said.

The new Centerville Firehouse Subs employs about 35. It is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

NOTE: Unless you are an e-mail subscriber, Local Firehouse Subs will not be honoring Tax Day deals.

About the Author