2021 East Gwillimbury
Mike Lavee is the franchise owner of Firehouse Subs, a casual take-out and dine-in restaurant in East Gwillimbury (EG) serving up a variety of hot gourmet submarine sandwiches. Opening in September of 2017, Lavee says he’s proud to bring to East Gwillimbury a brand that not only has a passion for exceptional subs, but also for public service.
Firehouse Subs was started by former firefighting brothers; the EG restaurant decor reflects the founding family’s decades of fire and police service. It boasts a custom, hand-painted mural by Joe Puskas depicting the EG Fire Department, alongside an EG Eagle hockey player paying homage at the cenotaph in front of the civic centre.
“Our subs save lives,” says Mike, “Every day our team raises funds with the goal of providing life-saving equipment and much needed resources for first responders and public safety organizations.”
Since their grand opening in 2017, their success has enabled them to award multiple local grants supporting these initiatives. The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, created and run by the franchisor, has awarded millions of dollars worth of equipment and resources to firefighting, emergency medical services, police, and public safety organizations across North America. It’s these stories of lives saved and changed that has inspired Mike; in fact, it’s the primary reason he decided to become a Firehouse Subs franchisee.
There have been numerous unexpected yet tremendously gratifying rewards of being a part of the East Gwillimbury and Newmarket community. The amount of public support Mike and his team have received has been exceptional. Every day many of their patrons help by contributing to their public safety foundation. It makes Mike immensely pleased to represent Firehouse Subs and he feels privileged to be able to give back locally to the community that gives in so many ways to them.
We’re living through exceedingly unique times, yet with the keen interest and support of the community, Firehouse Subs EG has been able to stay open and carry on their commitment to and enthusiasm for hearty and flavourful food, heartfelt service, and public safety. Speaking confidently for everyone at Firehouse Subs, Mike says they are grateful to be able to give back during these unprecedented times, and proud of what they have accomplished.