Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects around 1% of Americans. When someone with celiac disease consumes gluten, it damages their small intestine and prevents proper nutrient absorption. The only treatment is a strict lifelong gluten-free diet. This means avoiding wheat, barley, and rye – staples in the typical American diet. Eating out poses a major challenge for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Cross-contamination is common, even at restaurants claiming to offer gluten-free options. Firehouse Subs is a fast-casual sandwich franchise with over 1,100 locations across the United States. But is Firehouse Subs celiac safe? Can you safely eat there with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity? This article will examine Firehouse Subs’ gluten-free practices and menu options to help you determine if it’s a celiac-safe choice.
Firehouse Subs’ Stance on Gluten-Free
On their website, Firehouse Subs states: “We offer gluten-sensitive menu options but we are not a gluten-free environment.” They do not make any guarantees that cross-contamination will not occur. Some locations have specific procedures to avoid cross-contamination, but policies vary by franchise. Your safest bet is to speak directly to the manager at your local Firehouse Subs to understand their practices.
Gluten-Free Menu
Firehouse Subs has a dedicated gluten-free menu featuring cold sandwiches, hot subs, and salads. Their gluten-free rolls and bread are supplied by GLUTENBERG. All sandwiches can be made as a lettuce wrap upon request. Here are some of the gluten-free highlights from their menu:
- Hook & Ladder – Smoked turkey breast, Virginia honey ham, and Monterey Jack on gluten-free bread.
- Smokehouse Beef & Cheddar Brisket – USDA choice beef brisket with smoked cheddar and BBQ sauce.
- Turkey Bacon Ranch – Smoked turkey breast, bacon, Monterey Jack, lettuce, tomato, onion, and ranch.
- Club on Gluten Free Bread – Smoked turkey breast, roast beef, Virginia honey ham, and Monterey Jack.
- Italian Salad – Romaine lettuce blend, smoked Italian meats, provolone, banana peppers, tomatoes, garbanzo beans, and Italian vinaigrette.
They also offer gluten-free versions of their hot subs including the Steak & Cheese and the Reuben. Side options include potato chips, apples, and broccoli slaw.
In-Store Precautions
General precautions Firehouse Subs locations may follow include:
- Changing gloves before preparing gluten-free orders
- Using disposable paper on prep surfaces
- Using separate utensils and tools to prepare gluten-free subs
- Wiping down toaster oven before cooking gluten-free bread
However, practices can vary and mistakes can happen. Even if they use separate prep tools, the risk of cross-contact with gluten remains if they share a small prep space.
Is Firehouse Subs Celiac Safe?
While many gluten-free diners enjoy Firehouse Subs without issue, the brand acknowledges that cross-contamination remains a risk. They do not guarantee a 100% gluten-free or celiac-safe environment. Here are some factors to consider when deciding if Firehouse Subs is a safe option for you:
Shared Fryers
Firehouse Subs uses shared frying oil to prepare menu items like french fries, fried pickles, and chips. Even though chips may be gluten-free, they risk being cross-contaminated during the frying process.
Self-Serve Stations
Toppings bars and self-serve drink stations may harbor gluten cross-contact. Some locations allow you to avoid self-serve stations, but policies vary.
High Risk of Cross-Contact
With sandwiches constantly moving through a small prep space, the chances of cross-contact seem high. Even if they wipe down tools and change gloves, residue could remain.
Inconsistent Procedures
Each location differs in training, kitchen layout, and how strictly they adhere to special prep procedures. No location can guarantee a gluten-free environment.
Celiac Experiences at Firehouse Subs
Reviews are mixed on whether Firehouse Subs is celiac-safe. Here are some experiences shared by those with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity:
“I’ve eaten here multiple times with no issues. The staff is knowledgeable and seem to take cross-contamination seriously.”
“I’ve gotten sick multiple times from their ‘gluten-free’ subs. There’s too much room for error with their prep space.”
“Asked for a lettuce wrap and was told they couldn’t do it because everything contains gluten. Doesn’t seem celiac-safe at all.”
“Manager washed hands, put on new gloves, and prepared my sub separately. Felt comfortable that proper precautions were taken.”
Experiences really depend on the particular location and how strict their safety protocols are. Some are accommodating while others seem unfamiliar with celiac needs.
Should You Eat at Firehouse Subs with Celiac Disease?
Here are some tips if you opt to eat at Firehouse Subs with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity:
- Check the allergen information online for the item you plan to order. Watch out for dressings, sauces, and fried sides.
- Call ahead to ask about their gluten-free prep procedures. Inquire about dedicated spaces, tools, and training.
- Explain your allergy when ordering in-store. Request new gloves, tools, paper barriers if possible.
- Stick to basic meat and veggie subs. Modify with gluten-free toppings if they’ll allow substitutions.
- Avoid self-serve drink stations and fried menu items like chips due to cross-contact.
- Check sub immediately for any stray gluten-containing ingredients before eating.
While Firehouse Subs makes an effort to accommodate gluten-free requests, there is no guarantee. Those highly sensitive should use extreme caution and may want to avoid eating there altogether due to the high risk of cross-contact.
Gluten-Free Chains Safer for Celiac
For those with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity, dedicated gluten-free chains are generally the safest option. Brands like:
- Glutino’s Pretzels
- PizzaRev
- Gluten Free Grains Bakery
Take extensive steps to prevent cross-contamination. You’ll have much more peace of mind eating their certified gluten-free meals.
Other Celiac-Safe Options
When you need a quick meal out with celiac disease, sub shops like Firehouse Subs are tempting but risky. You have much safer options like:
Dedicated Gluten-Free Restaurants
- Beckett’s Burger Bar
- Gluten Free Grocery
- Gluten Free Kitchen
These eateries use dedicated prep space and tools to exclude gluten from entree to plate.
Celiac-Savvy Chains
Some mainstream chains truly understand gluten-free prep and the risks of cross-contact. Safer choices include:
- Chipotle
- In-N-Out Burger
- Chick-Fil-A
Look for gluten-free menu info and celiac allergy training.
Grocery Grab & Go
Grocery stores with prepared foods allow you to see ingredients and preparation. Look for:
- Dedicated deli case
- Pre-packaged sides
- Salad and hot foods bars
Ask a manager about peak gluten-free hours to avoid cross-contact.
Best Celiac Practices Dining Out
Here are tips to safely eat with celiac disease when grabbing a quick meal:
- Research restaurant’s gluten-free practices before visiting
- Confirm gluten-free kitchen protocols and certification
- Stick to naturally gluten-free dishes
- Ask about ingredients and preparation
- Request food prep area and tools to be cleaned first
- Avoid self-serve stations and fried foods
- Carefully inspect your meal before eating
Eating out with celiac disease means being vigilant. Set yourself up for success by thoroughly vetting restaurants first. And don’t hesitate to speak up to make sure proper precautions are followed when preparing your food.
Is Firehouse Subs a Smart Choice with Celiac?
Firehouse Subs makes menu information available online and offers gluten-free subs. However, the brand openly acknowledges the risk of cross-contact at their locations. Diners with celiac disease report mixed experiences following gluten-free orders. While some Firehouse Subs go the extra mile with precautions, no location is 100% gluten-free. Ultimately, those highly sensitive to gluten likely should avoid eating at Firehouse Subs. The risk of getting “glutened” seems too high based on their prep environments and reputation. Your safest bet is choosing certified gluten-free brands or thoroughly vetted celiac-safe restaurants. But if you do give Firehouse Subs a try, be extremely cautious by confirming procedures and inspecting your meal. Those newly diagnosed or less sensitive may be comfortable with the level of care offered at certain franchises. Every person with celiac disease must weigh their own tolerance levels against the cross-contamination risks when dining out.
The Takeaway on Firehouse Subs
Firehouse Subs wants to serve those avoiding gluten but does not guarantee a gluten-free environment. Experiences vary by location, depending on the space, staff training, and how strictly cross-contact protocols are implemented. Most with celiac disease will want to avoid Firehouse Subs due to the narrow prep space, high menu volume, and shared equipment. While less sensitive gluten-free diners may comfortably eat there, those highly reactive to trace gluten likely should steer clear. Dedicated gluten-free restaurants or thoroughly vetted celiac-safe brands remain the best options when you need a quick meal without worrying over cross-contamination.
