Dine & Grind: How Don Fox Built Firehouse Subs Into a $1 Billion Sandwich Empire

What Restaurant Leaders Know: Finding Your Footing in Hospitality

On the latest Dine & Grind podcast, Daniel Shemtob sits down with Don Fox, the longtime CEO of Firehouse Subs. Don's career didn't start in the C-suite—it began in a dish pit, sweating it out with steam, suds, and two-compartment sinks.

"I learned an awful lot in that first job...especially in an Italian restaurant. One of my earliest lessons was make sure you're best friends with the person who stirs the sauce pot, because you're getting that sauce pot at the end of the night to clean." – Don Fox

Finding Your Footing: The Importance of Work Ethic (and Shoes!)

Don Fox's story is a masterclass in grit and adaptability. He highlights how most people land somewhere unexpected in their careers, and the key is to give 100%, always learning and being ready to step up at any moment. Whether you're a dishwasher, prep cook, or chef, every station is a lesson.

What's the common thread? Standing all day. Restaurant pros know that comfort isn't a luxury—it's a necessity. The right shoes for kitchen work—non-slip, durable, supportive—are non-negotiable.

Lessons in Leadership and Kitchen Life

From Burger King to building Firehouse Subs into a billion-dollar brand, Don Fox's advice for hospitality professionals is timeless:

• Be proactive: Don't wait for instructions—look for ways to improve and help out.

• Value every role: The "hardest job I ever had was being a restaurant manager."

• Care for your team: Culture matters, and success depends on everyone's well-being.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or visit Dine & Grind for show notes, chef interviews, and more stories at the intersection of food and entrepreneurship.