Eating out can be stressful for people with food allergies. You want something tasty. But you always have to consider the ingredients used to make the food. Is it safe? Does it contain common allergens?
Firehouse Subs tries to make things easier by offering clear allergen information, helpful staff, and a build-your-own setup.
But that doesn’t completely take out the risk. I’ve put this piece together to show you how to eat at Firehouse Subs if you’re gluten-free, dairy-free, or have other food allergies. It’s not just about available items on the menu. It’s about how you order and customize your meal.
Understanding Firehouse Subs’ Allergen Menu
Like many restaurants, Firehouse Subs has an official allergen guide on its website. The chart shows common allergens in all menu items, like:
- Eggs
- Milk
- Wheat
- Soy
- Peanuts
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Tree nuts
They update the chart regularly as new items are added to the menu. If you have allergy issues, I recommend checking the ingredients before you order.
Check under the “Nutrition” section on the official Firehouse Subs website for the allergy guide. You can also just search for “Firehouse Subs allergen menu” online.
How Firehouse Subs Handles Food Allergies in Their Kitchens
No restaurant is perfect, so there are still risks involved. Even with a helpful menu, there’s still a chance of cross-contact.
Firehouse Subs doesn’t have a certified allergen-free kitchen. This means the following:
- Toppings may be shared
- Bread is sliced in the same area
- Staff wear gloves, but the gloves might touch different ingredients.
While this may not pose any significant threat, it’s important you know.
They do their best to be careful when preparing different meals. Some outlets often change gloves, clean surfaces, and use fresh toppings if you tell them about your allergy.
If you have severe allergy issues, I recommend that you discuss directly with the staff. Many teams are trained to take it seriously.
Gluten-Free Options at Firehouse Subs
Now, let’s throw some light on gluten. To cater to the unique needs of many customers, Firehouse Subs now offers gluten-free sandwich rolls in many outlets. They are made by a renowned gluten-free brand – Udi’s.
Here’s what you should know:
- You have to tell them to give you gluten-free rolls.
- The gluten-free rolls come in a sealed package to prevent cross-contamination.
- You can request new gloves and fresh toppings.
It goes beyond the bread, though.
You might want to skip:
- All cookies (they contain wheat).
- Regular sub rolls
- Most soups (they’re not gluten-free).
- Croutons and some dressings.
Here are some safe topping options I recommend you opt for:
- Grilled chicken
- Lettuce, tomato, and most veggies
- Turkey breast
- Most cheeses (but double-check)
Make sure to double-check the allergen chart before placing an order.
Diary-Free Choices at Firehouse Subs
Are you avoiding dairy? This restaurant still offers great options. Firehouse can still make something for you, but you’ll need to customize it to your unique needs.
Many subs have cheese included. Just ask them not to include cheese in your order. Here are a few things to avoid:
- Cheese
- Mayo-based sauce (many contain dairy)
- Meatballs (they may contain milk)
- Cookies and brownies
Here are some great options to try:
- Hook & Ladder with no cheese or mayo.
- Grilled chicken with mustard on a gluten-free roll.
- Turkey Bacon Ranch (without cheese and ranch).
Most of the standard meats are dairy-free. But double-check the chart to be sure.
Build-Your-Own: Customizing for Allergies
This is a game-changer for me. Firehouse Subs lets you build your own meal to include only the ingredients you want.
You can build your own salad, sandwich, or bowl from scratch, skipping whatever you want to.
Start with:
- Your choice of meat (turkey, chicken, roast beef, ham, etc.).
- Bowl or bread (gluten-free roll or lettuce wrap).
- Sauces and dressings (hot sauce, mustard, oil & vinegar, etc.).
- Toppings (tomato, lettuce, onion, pickles, banana peppers, etc.).
This is the best way to go if you’re allergic to multiple ingredients.
You can also ask for the following:
- To change gloves
- A clean knife and surface
- To use toppings from unopened containers
They might not always be able to meet all your demands, but they usually try.
Talking to the Team: Allergy Communication Tips
This might be the most important part.
If you have food allergies, always speak up when ordering. Don’t rely on the receipt or notes alone.
Here’s how to do it clearly:
- Tell them what allergy you have (“I have a dairy allergy”)
- Ask if they can change gloves and use a clean surface
- Watch your order if it’s being made in front of you
- Thank the staff – it helps them know you’re serious, not picky
Don’t assume the team will know just from your custom order.
Most Firehouse Subs workers are helpful, but direct communication always works best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find Firehouse Subs’ allergen menu?
The Firehouse Subs allergen menu is in the “Nutrition” section at the bottom of the official website. The file is downloadable. It covers every ingredient and menu item.
Does Firehouse Subs have gluten-free bread?
Yes, many Fireshouse Subs locations offer Udi’s gluten-free rolls. They packaged them individually to minimize the chances of cross-contact. Ask for it when ordering.
What’s the safest sub for gluten-sensitive people?
The safest bet is to order a grilled chicken sub on gluten-free bread with basic veggies and mustard. Avoid sauces and cheeses unless verified safe.
Are any Firehouse Subs sauces dairy-free?
Yes. Mustard, oil & vinegar, hot sauce, and sweet baby ray’s are typically dairy-free. Avoid ranch, mayo-based dressings, and cheese sauces. Always double-check the chart.
Conclusion
Firehouse Subs can be allergy-friendly, but only if you help guide the process. And now, you know exactly how to do it. Read their allergen menu and customize your meal to suit your unique needs.
