Review & Giveaway {Firehouse Subs $20 GC, 4 Winners}

Congratulations, to our winners, Alaine, David G, HollyG, Lala R!  Thanks to all who entered!

Our family was so excited to try Firehouse Subs for the first time – it’s hard to believe that I’ve lived in Northern Virginia for 10 years and never tasted the deliciousness that is Firehouse!  Mark, the Fairfax Towne Center franchisee, and Dan, the area representative, rolled out the red carpet for us – and, let us sample four of their amazing subs.  It was difficult to choose our favorite; but, after much deliberation, we decided their signature “Hook and Ladder” was at the top of our list.  It is a delectable meld of smoked turkey breast, Virginia honey ham, and Monterey Jack cheese, that cause your taste buds to break into the “Hallelujah Chorus” with each bite!

The Hook & Ladder

I also loved their newest sub, “The King’s Hawaiian Pork & Slaw” that consists of hardwood pork smoked for 12 hours and Sargento pepper jack cheese, steamed to perfection, then topped with tangy Hawaiian coleslaw piled high on a King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sweet sandwich bun.  Being from Hawaii, I’m a little biased towards King’s Hawaiian rolls – but, I’m generally not a fan of pulled pork.  However, this sandwich was phenomenal; the sweet and tangy blended together perfectly, creating a little bit of Hawaiian heaven with each bite!

And, to promote their new King’s Hawaiian Pork & Slow sandwich, Firehouse Subs is hosting contest for a chance to win a trip to Hawaii!   Pretty amazing, right?  Just submit an original 90- second video of you (or your family) performing an original song, rap, dance, or giving the meatiest and cheesiest testimonial of your life, and you could win a trip for two to the Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Big Island of Hawaii!  Just prove to Firehouse Subs Founders Chris and Robin that you have a burning love for Firehouse Subs and the new King’s Hawaiian Pork & Slaw sandwich. Videos must be 90 seconds or less and creativity counts!

The King's Hawaiian Pork & Slaw

My husband loved his Smokehouse Beef and Cheddar Brisket sub, that was the perfect blend of USDA Choice beef brisket smoked for 10+ hours, melted cheddar, and special sauces.  Beef brisket is one of John’s all-time favorite dishes; and, since my cooking turns a brisket into charcoal, he was jubilantly savoring each mouthful of Firehouse’s amazing sub!

Smokehouse Beef & Cheddar = Happy Husband

But, what impressed me even more than their sandwiches was their commitment to our local fire, police, and EMS departments.  My brother-in-law is a firefighter and EMT and my best friend volunteered with our local EMS for many years, so I know the desperate need for donations that first-responders face.  Firehouse Subs also understands that the men and women who put their life on the line each day to keep us safe, should have the proper equipment to do their job!  You see, Firehouse was created by brothers who were not only entrepreneurial but also have more than 200 years of firefighting heritage in their blood.

In 2005, they created the non-profit, Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, with the mission to provide funding, life-saving equipment and educational opportunities to aid first-responders. Through the non-profit 501(c)(3), Firehouse Subs has given more than $4.5 million to hometown heroes, including fire and police departments and EMS organizations.

The DC Metro area has benefited tremendously from their donations.  Here are just a few examples: the City of Manassas received a $4,000 mobile radio; Frederick, MD is the proud owner of a $9,500 thermal imaging camera; and Fredericksburg, VA now has an inflatable rescue boat and detachable motor worth more than $10,900, all thanks to Firehouse!  Overall, Firehouse Subs has given $219, 796+ in Virginia and $59,139 in Maryland!  For our family, that is the best reason to support our local Firehouse Subs’ franchise -  and it’s a great excuse to enjoy their delicious sandwiches.

:: Giveaway Details ::
The best part?  Firehouse Subs is offering FOUR of my readers a chance to sample their delicious sandwiches, by way of a $20 gift card!  To enter, just leave a comment letting me know your favorite Firehouse Sub (or, if you’ve never visited a Firehouse, let me know the one you are most excited about trying).  This contest is open to the continental US and will close at 11:59 PM on July 21, 2012.  I will draw the winner by Random.org, and they will have 48 hours to respond to the email notification that they won.