Firehouse Subs Serves Excitement to Steeler Nation

The newest eatery in Peters Township attracted a crowd of hungry Steelers fans for its Friday. Firehouse Subs served its hearty sandwiches with a side of “Cash Money.” No, not literally. We’re talking Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown.

Restaurant employees scurried with excitement, pleasing customers and awaiting No. 84. The sub shop is the first in the Pittsburgh area.

“We’re thrilled to bring Firehouse Subs to Pittsburgh,” said co-owner Richard Kronawetter. He and his wife, Abeer, relocated to Peters from the south three years ago.

“We love the product,” he said. “It wasn’t easy, but we got lucky. Everything fell together and the people here (in Peters) are very nice, which is very important.”

Firehouse Subs got its start in Jacksonville, Fla. by former firefighting brothers Chris and Robin Sorensen.

Kronawetter said he hopes to open more locations in the Pittsburgh area in the near future.

“We’re looking in Washington and in the north of Pittsburgh,” he said. “There are seven or eight spots that (the restaurant) will really do well.”

The Jaki family of Finleyville came out for the festivities. Gavin, the young tot of Amy and Tim, was dressed in a tiny Steelers jersey and excited to meet Brown.

Adam Nyswaner and Mike Capozzoli of Bridgeville came prepared wearing jerseys, and with a football in-hand for Brown to sign.

Pittsburghers Ronnie Sims and Derrick Thomas stopped by during their lunch break, but it wasn’t Sims' first time.

“I was here yesterday. It’s excellent,” Sims said. “It’s something new, different and fresh. I hope in the next five years one opens in Pittsburgh, or closer in Mt. Lebanon or Dormont.”

Regional Marketing Manager Alex Gonzalez was present for the opening.

“We’re excited to be here,” he said. “We’re growing fast. We’re now in Columbus, Cincinnati and Indianapolis. We serve great hearty food, and we’re all about the delivery.”

Gonzalez also mentioned the company’s public safety foundation, which has given more than $2.6 million to hometown heroes. He urged the to apply for a grant.

As fans waited in line to meet and greet Brown, many heads turned to look at the customized mural to the right of the restaurant’s entrance.

The painting with a family and a fire truck proudly displays the community’s and Rescue 64. Additional artifacts and photos of well-known area fire scenes and firefighters adorn the red and white walls.

Gonzalez said the mural is the work of Joe “Paintbrush,” a hired artist who completes each custom mural prior to the shops’ grand openings.

Fans from all over were in attendance Friday.

“We’re from outside the D.C. area and we love Firehouse Subs,” said Peters residents Mina and Scott Pettit. “We’ve been counting the days.”

Scott highly recommended the Smokehouse Beef & Cheddar Brisket. He and his family were dressed in full Steelers attire and were looking forward to killing two birds with one stone Friday.

For more information on Firehouse, visit http://www.firehousesubs.com/.

Join the restaurant on Facebook and Twitter, too.