The Zimmerman Agency Public Relations Blazes into the QSR Segment with Firehouse Subs(R)

One of Entrepreneur Magazine's Fastest Growing Franchises

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., June 23 /PRNewswire/ -- The Zimmerman Agency, a Tallahassee-based advertising, public relations and digital firm, (www.zimmerman.com), has been awarded the public relations for Firehouse Subs(R), a 360-unit fast-casual restaurant chain with franchises in 14 states. Founded in 1994 by firefighting brothers, Chris and Robin Sorensen, the company's Average Unit Volume (AUV) at $600K is currently at, or near, the top of the sub sandwich category in every store market.

"One of the most impressive aspects of the Firehouse brand is that while their competitors are slashing prices and launching gimmicky promotions, Firehouse Subs is maintaining consumer loyalty by staying true to its founding principles of using the highest quality ingredients and serving oversized portions fit for a firefighter," says Carrie Englert Zimmerman, co-president of The Zimmerman Agency. "It is our privilege to help grow the category leader."

Firehouse hired The Zimmerman Agency to strengthen consumer and trade awareness, expand the chain to 400 restaurants in 2009, increase the number of franchisees and drive local store marketing. Zimmerman's efforts are also charged with maximizing exposure and contributions for The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation that has donated more than $750,000 in equipment from thermal imaging cameras to ATVs with rescue capabilities in the past two years alone. The Zimmerman Agency also has promotional responsibility for co-branding initiatives.

Firehouse Subs offers hearty eaters oversized portions of premium meats and cheeses, steamed to make the flavors burst, then served "Fully Involved(R)," with fresh produce piled high atop a toasted sub roll. Restaurants reflect authentic local firefighter heritage with historical photographs and equipment, as well as the 200 years of firefighting service by the founding family.

The new account brings The Zimmerman Agency billings to $160 million annually. The agency portfolio also contains Natures Own, PGA Tour, Sanderson Farms Chicken, Tobacco Free Florida, Club Med, Aflac, Evamor Water and the British Virgin Islands.

For additional information, contact Carrie Zimmerman at carrie@zimmerman.com or Curtis Zimmerman at curtis@zimmerman.com, (850) 668-2222 or www.zimmerman.com. The Zimmerman Agency is part of the Omnicom Group.