Firehouse Subs debuts new design in Springdale

Firehouse Subs franchisees Audie White and Jason Steele recently opened the national restaurant chain’s first Springdale location at 4914 Elm Springs Road.

It’s the first Arkansas location featuring the company’s new contemporary design including a repositioned ordering area, a designated space for online orders and a new back-of-the-house layout with a more efficient flow for crew members. There are now eight U.S. locations with the new design, referred to as “Community Design.”

White and Steele, former first responders, own seven Firehouse Subs restaurants. They also have two in Fayetteville and four in the Tulsa, Okla., metro.

White was a Russellville police officer for over seven years, and Steele was a Springdale firefighter for over 15 years and worked for the volunteer fire department totaling more than 30 years of firefighting career experience.

Steele’s grandfather is the late Joe M. Steele, who founded Steele Canning Co. in Springdale in the 1930s. The Arkansas Business Hall of Fame inducted Steele in 2019.

“The opening of this restaurant is very special to my family and our rich history in Springdale,” Steele said. “There is nothing better than supporting our local first responders through the sales of our hot and hearty subs with a portion of every purchase benefiting Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation.”

The nonprofit foundation provides funding, lifesaving equipment and educational opportunities to first responders and public safety organizations.

Developer Jason Pullman owns the 1,750-square-foot Springdale building. The restaurant is open from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week. Firehouse Subs now has 19 Arkansas locations.