Does Firehouse Grill Have Gluten-Free Bread?

Over 3 million Americans are affected by celiac disease, driving the need for clear dietary information from restaurants. This article explores the nuanced answer to: Does Firehouse Grill have gluten-free bread? The availability depends on which specific restaurant you visit.

Quick Summary

Availability of gluten-free bread depends on the restaurant. Firehouse Subs offers GF sub rolls, while independent "Firehouse Grills" have varying options. Cross-contamination is a significant concern for those with dietary restrictions.

Key Points

• Firehouse Subs offers GF rolls: The national chain has gluten-free sub rolls available for an extra charge on medium subs.

• Name Matters: 'Firehouse Subs' and 'Firehouse Grill' are distinct restaurants, and you must know which one you are visiting to determine gluten-free options.

• Cross-Contamination Risk is High: At Firehouse Subs, shared prep surfaces and utensils mean there is a significant risk of gluten cross-contamination.

• Independent Grills Vary: Independent 'Firehouse Grill' locations have different menus and policies; some may offer GF bread, while others do not.

• Communicate Allergies Clearly: To ensure a safer experience, always clearly communicate your gluten allergy to staff and request fresh gloves and cleaned surfaces.

• Call to Confirm: Before visiting an independent 'Firehouse Grill,' it is always best to call ahead to verify their current gluten-free offerings and protocols.

• Know What to Avoid: At Firehouse Subs, avoid menu items with known gluten, such as meatballs, chili, and the smaller 'Snackers'.

Navigating the Name: Firehouse Subs vs. Firehouse Grill

When searching for gluten-free options, it's crucial to distinguish between the two types of restaurants that might be under consideration. 'Firehouse Subs' is a large, well-known franchise chain specializing in hot subs, while 'Firehouse Grill' is often the name of smaller, independent restaurants. Their menus and allergy protocols are completely separate, so the gluten-free experience will be different at each. This guide focuses on the national chain, Firehouse Subs, which is most commonly confused with the independent 'Grill' establishments, and then provides guidance for handling the latter.

Gluten-Free at Firehouse Subs: The Details

For those wondering if Firehouse Subs has gluten-free bread, the answer is a qualified yes. As of late 2024, the company officially offers a gluten-free sub roll at most of its U.S. and Canada locations.

What to Expect with Firehouse Subs' Gluten-Free Bread

• Availability: The gluten-free option is typically a medium-sized sub roll, often made by the Schar brand, a leading gluten-free manufacturer.
• Cost: Expect to pay an additional charge for the gluten-free bread. The exact amount can vary by location.
• Cross-Contamination: This is the most critical point for customers with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivities. Firehouse Subs states on their website that because other menu items contain gluten, they cannot guarantee a completely gluten-free experience. Sandwiches are often prepared on shared surfaces with shared utensils, which poses a significant risk. Some customers have reported asking for specific precautions, such as fresh gloves and a clean prep area, with mixed results depending on the staff and location.

Ordering a Gluten-Free Sub at Firehouse Subs

To minimize the risk of cross-contamination, especially if you have celiac disease, consider these steps when ordering:

1. Communicate Clearly: Inform the cashier that you have a gluten allergy. Do not just ask for the gluten-free bread; explicitly state the severity of your dietary restriction.
2. Request Safety Measures: Ask the employee to change their gloves and clean the prep counter and other surfaces before preparing your sub.
3. Specify Ingredients: Request that ingredients like meats, cheeses, and vegetables be taken from new, uncontaminated bins from the back, rather than from the potentially cross-contaminated service line.

Gluten-Free Friendly Menu Items

Many of Firehouse Subs' ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Always confirm with staff, but here is a general list:

• Meats: Most plain meats like turkey, roast beef, and ham are safe.
• Cheeses: Provolone, Swiss, and cheddar are typically gluten-free.
• Toppings: Many fresh vegetables and toppings are safe, such as lettuce, tomatoes, and black olives.
• Chips: Most regular potato chip brands, like Lay's, are gluten-free, but always check flavors for hidden ingredients.
• Salads: Salads without croutons are a potentially safer option as they involve less contact with sub-making equipment.

Menu Items to Avoid

Several popular Firehouse Subs items are explicitly not gluten-free and should be avoided:

• Meatballs: The meatballs contain gluten.
• Chili: Firehouse Subs' chili contains wheat-based thickeners and is not gluten-free.
• Soups: Loaded Potato Soup and Chicken & Dumpling soup are not gluten-free.
• Snackers: The smaller 'Firehouse Snackers' subs are served on a wheat-based roll and are not offered with a gluten-free alternative.

Independent 'Firehouse Grills' and Their Policies

If you are visiting an independent 'Firehouse Grill', your experience will be different from the national chain. These locations are not part of the Firehouse Subs franchise and create their own menus and allergy protocols.

• Example 1 (Cincinnati, OH): Firehouse Grill Restaurant & Private Event Rooms in Cincinnati, Ohio, has been noted by customers for offering gluten-free pizza crusts and buns.
• Example 2 (Enniskillen, UK): The Firehouse in Enniskillen, UK, has been praised by celiac customers for their knowledgeable staff and ability to accommodate gluten-free requests.
• Example 3 (Elko New Market, MN): Firehouse Grille in Elko New Market, Minnesota, explicitly offers gluten-free buns and bread.

How to Verify Gluten-Free Options at a 'Grill' Location

1. Call Ahead: The most reliable method is to call the specific location directly and ask about their gluten-free bread options and cross-contamination policies.
2. Check Online: Look for the restaurant's menu or website. Some independent locations, like the one in Elko New Market, clearly state their gluten-free offerings.
3. Read Reviews: Check restaurant review sites or apps like Find Me Gluten Free to see reports from other gluten-sensitive diners.

Comparison Table: Firehouse Subs vs. Independent 'Grill'

Feature	Firehouse Subs (Chain)	Independent 'Firehouse Grill'
Gluten-Free Bread	Yes, available for medium subs.	Varies by location; some offer GF buns/bread/pizza crust.
Cross-Contamination	High risk; shared prep surfaces and equipment used.	Policies vary; some may have better protocols, others worse.
Allergy Training	Company policy exists, but employee execution may vary.	Depends on individual restaurant management and training.
Menu Consistency	Consistent menu and GF availability across most locations.	Completely unique menu and GF policies at each restaurant.
Best Practice	Communicate allergy clearly and ask for precautions.	Call ahead or check their website for specific information.

Conclusion: Clarity and Caution are Key

To answer the question, "Does Firehouse Grill have gluten-free bread?", the definitive answer is that it depends entirely on the specific restaurant you visit. For the national chain, Firehouse Subs, gluten-free rolls are available for an extra cost on medium subs, but the risk of cross-contamination is explicitly stated and should be considered seriously, especially for those with celiac disease. For independent restaurants operating under a similar name like a 'Firehouse Grill,' you must do your own research by checking their individual menu or calling them directly. Regardless of the location, communication with staff is paramount to ensuring a safe and satisfying gluten-free meal.

Learn more about Schar's commitment to gluten-free dining and their products at the official Schar website: https://www.schaer.com/en-us.

For individuals with severe gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, asking specific questions and advocating for safe food preparation practices is the best approach. While progress has been made in offering gluten-free products, the industry-wide challenge of avoiding cross-contamination remains a real concern for many diners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Firehouse Subs use a dedicated gluten-free prep area?

No, Firehouse Subs prepares sandwiches on shared surfaces, which presents a risk of cross-contamination for those with celiac disease or severe sensitivities.

What brand of gluten-free bread does Firehouse Subs use?

Firehouse Subs uses Schar brand gluten-free ciabatta rolls for their medium-sized subs.

Is the gluten-free bread available for all sub sizes?

No, the gluten-free sub rolls are typically only available for medium-sized sandwiches. Smaller 'Snackers' and larger sizes are not an option.

How much extra does the gluten-free bread cost?

The gluten-free sub roll comes with an additional charge, which may vary by location but is generally a few extra dollars.

Are other menu items at Firehouse Subs gluten-free?

Many ingredients like meats, cheeses, and toppings are naturally gluten-free. However, items like the meatballs, chili, and certain soups are not. Always check the allergen menu and confirm with staff.

What about independent Firehouse Grill locations?

Independent 'Firehouse Grill' restaurants have different menus and policies than Firehouse Subs. You must contact the specific location directly to inquire about their gluten-free options and allergy policies.

What precautions should I take when ordering a gluten-free sub?

To minimize risk, ask the employee to change their gloves, clean the preparation surface, and get fresh ingredients from the back if possible, especially if you have celiac disease.

Are Firehouse Subs' chili and soups gluten-free?

No, Firehouse Subs' chili and many of their soups are not gluten-free as they contain wheat-based thickeners and other gluten-containing ingredients.