Local Firehouse Subs owners named Canadian franchisee of the year

By OrilliaMatters Staff

Nilam and Ravish Shah, who operate franchises in Orillia, Barrie and Vaughan, 'truly embody the heart of the Firehouse Subs brand'.

Local Firehouse Subs franchise owners Nilam and Ravish Shah have won an Axe Award for Canadian Franchisee of the Year.

The Shahs own and operate three locations, including 454 Bayfield St. in Barrie, 3220 Monarch Dr. in Orillia, and 2901 Major Mackenzie Dr. in Vaughan. The Orillia location opened in west Orillia in May of 2021.

In the Firehouse Subs system of more than 1,210 restaurants, the company’s top honour recognizes high-performing franchisees for their strong commitment to their community.

“The Shahs truly embody the heart of the Firehouse Subs brand and always strive to provide the ultimate Firehouse Subs experience to all of their guests,” the company said in a news release.

Since opening their first Firehouse Subs restaurant in 2018, the company says the Shahs have shown “a clear dedication and passion for hearty and flavourful food, heartfelt service and public safety.”

The Shahs expanded their portfolio from two restaurants to three in 2021, with plans of opening a fourth this year.

“What an absolute honour it is to be named the Canadian Franchisees of the Year,” Ravish Shah said in the release. “We are so driven by our team, our guests and our local first responders.

“We take great pride in supporting our hometown heroes year-round through our restaurant and are always looking for opportunities to give back. Heartfelt service is at the core of who we are at Firehouse Subs.”