Dive Brief:
- East Coast retailer Bolla Market opened its first Firehouse Subs QSR inside one of its convenience stores last month, representatives from both companies confirmed to C-Store Dive.
- Bolla’s Market opened its first Firehouse Subs on Nov. 15 at a location in Hicksville, New York, which is on Long Island, a spokesperson from the sandwich chain said. Bolla Market’s second Firehouse Subs is expected to open in Farmingdale, New York, at the end of January, the spokesperson added.
- This marks the beginning of a long-term partnership between the two chains, as Bolla has “several more” Firehouse Subs in the works, Sean O’Neill, chief development officer for parent company Bolla Oil, said in a statement.
Dive Insight:
As convenience retailers large and small bring on QSRs to up their food capabilities, Bolla Market’s latest venture adds to its already notable slate of restaurants. About a third of its roughly 240 convenience stores across New York and New Jersey have at least one Burger King, Pizza Hut, Red Mango, Tim Horton’s and Boar’s Head Deli on site, according to its website.
Bolla Market’s is adding Firehouse Subs to that roster, and the new location will feature the sandwich chain’s full menu, including limited-time offers and catering options, according to its spokesperson. Popular Firehouse Subs sandwiches include the Hook & Ladder, which features turkey, ham and Monterey Jack cheese; and the New York Steamer, which is made with corned beef brisket, pastrami, melted provolone, mustard, mayo and Italian dressing.
O’Neill did not respond by press time when asked how many Firehouse Subs QSRs Bolla hopes to open next year. Meanwhile, the sandwich chain’s spokespersons said “there are plans to open more” and to “stay tuned for more details as future restaurant locations become solidified.”
Several other convenience retailers increased their QSR investments this year. Those included RaceTrac’s $566 million acquisition of sandwich QSR Potbelly, EG America launching Krispy Krunchy Chicken at about 150 c-stores and Rebel Convenience Stores expanding its Hatch Chicken restaurant concept.
