Firehouse Subs announced the signing of an Area Representative development agreement in Cincinnati totaling 19 restaurants.

Charles Fryman purchased the territory and will open his first Firehouse Subs restaurant in 2010. Fryman has more than 15 years of restaurant experience with Lone Star Steakhouse & Saloon and most recently oversaw 52 units of the chain as a Midwest regional manager. Fryman has also served as a district manager and general manager for Lone Star Steakhouse & Saloon during his tenure.

“Firehouse Subs is tremendously excited to bring our first restaurants to Ohio and the Cincinnati metro area,” says Greg Delks, director of franchise development for Firehouse of America LLC. “Our success in Cincinnati will stem directly from Charles’ passion for the community and his desire to provide the high level of customer service and quality of food for which Firehouse Subs is known.”

In addition to growth in Cincinnati, Firehouse Subs is seeking Area Representatives for many markets across the country. Responsibilities of the Area Representative include developing a market based on the sale of franchises, and providing overall operational and marketing support to the franchisees, which oversee their own day-to-day operations, as well as increasing market share, maintaining revenue, and developing management teams. This entrepreneurial model provides a caliber of support and a continuity of relationships that best serves Firehouse Subs’ growth strategy.

Building a solid network of stores within a market enables Firehouse Subs to invest in a distribution model that provides premium ingredients. Area Representatives and franchisees also benefit from extensive training programs and comprehensive operating systems designed to help build business. A broad support team is geared to simplify operations and includes development and construction experts, operational support professionals, training managers, field marketing managers, and public relations support.