So far this is the thirteenth sandwich-based fast food place I've been to, out of the 101 days of visiting chains.  There's just so many out there, sandwiches are quick and simple to make -- however they are rarely never flashy or fancy or special.  It's easy to make an "okay" sandwich, but often tricky to raise it to that next level.

Firehouse Subs is one of the larger national chains, with over a thousand locations and found in almost every state.  So, they must be doing something right....right?  One would think, but Firehouse Subs falls into the same middle morass of mediocrity that most of the other sub places occupy: An average sub of average quality for an average (comparable) price. 

By the way, what is the average price for a mid-sized sub combo (with chips and drink) plus tax these days?  So far, at different chains I've paid $17.52, $19.21, $14.70, $14.59, $19.25, $15.34, $14.61, $17.37, $16.76, $17.43, $20.55, $16.08, and $14.49.  Yes, we all know sandwiches were cheaper just years ago - I used to go to Subway for their $5 lunches regularly back in the day.  But those days are long gone.

Are, then, are fast food sandwiches worth it?  I mean, for the same money I can go the supermarket and for the same money buy the ingredients to make a week's worth of sandwiches.  And for me, the answer is: usually fast food sandwiches are not worth it.  I can justify spending fast food prices for most other types/categories of fast food, which may take more time and effort and skill to make correctly, but not sandwiches.  Anyone can make those.  

To me, these days a sandwich has to be something pretty special for me to mentally justifying spending fifteen bucks for.  And Firehouse Subs is NOT "special".  It was a perfectly fine sub - tasted just fine, was filling, and was as good as any other average place.  But it was nothing special worth paying that 'fast food premium' for.

[Review] Day 101 - Italian sub at Firehouse Subs