Firehouse Subs intends to open in the Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville campus on the Downtown Southbank.
The city approved a permit Jan. 14 for Auld & White Constructors Inc. to build-out 3,064 square feet of space for Firehouse Subs at 800 Prudential Drive.
Firehouse Subs spokeswoman Alaina Bundy said Jan. 15 the chain expects to open in late March or April. It will replace Chick-fil-A in about 3,000 square feet in the Howard Building lobby.
Chick-fil-A closed Aug. 30 after seven years in the location, said Wesley Roberts, Baptist Health writer and media relations specialist.
Roberts said Chick-fil-A no longer was supporting the franchise business model that Baptist had with the company.
Jacksonville-based Firehouse Subs added the location to its website.
“Savor a hot sub sandwich made with premium meats and cheeses, steamed to perfection, then piled high on a toasted private recipe roll at Firehouse Subs Baptist Downtown,” it says, adding it is located inside Baptist Health Downtown Hospital.
Brothers and former firefighters Chris Sorensen and Robin Sorensen founded the Firehouse Subs fast-casual chain in 1994.
More than 1,180 Firehouse Subs locations operate in 46 states, Puerto Rico, Canada and nontraditional locations, such as Baptist Medical Center and Jacksonville International Airport.