Walk into any Firehouse Subs and one design element immediately stands out: a bold, custom mural stretching across the wall, telling a story of bravery and community pride. Behind these murals is Chief Mural Artist Joe Puskas, the creative force who has helped shape the brand’s identity for more than 30 years.
Since the first Firehouse Subs opened in 1994, murals have been part of the experience. Founded by former firefighter brothers Chris and Robin Sorensen, the brand has always reflected its firefighting roots. In the early days, Puskas painted the first dozen murals directly onto restaurant walls. As the brand expanded, he quickly realized that continuing that approach would mean constantly being on the road and rarely home. To support that growth, he transitioned to creating the murals on canvas from his studio at Firehouse Subs Headquarters in Jacksonville, Florida. Today, he and his team have produced more than 1,500 murals, each one designed specifically for the restaurant and the community it serves.
Every mural is thoughtfully crafted to feature local first responder vehicles and landmarks unique to the area. Guests might recognize a familiar skyline, a historic building, or a hometown fire engine woven into the scene. Some locations even include franchisees, their family members, or their pets – personal details that make each mural feel deeply connected to the people behind the restaurant.
More than décor, the murals are a visible tribute to firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and other public safety professionals. They honor those who serve while reinforcing the story at the heart of the brand in a way that feels genuine and welcoming.
At a time when many restaurant interiors rely on printed graphics, Firehouse Subs continues to invest in original artwork rooted in tradition. Even after more than 1,500 murals, the commitment remains the same. Thanks to Joe Puskas and his team, each new restaurant adds another chapter to the Firehouse Subs story.
.jpg)