Firehouse Subs restaurants have popped up throughout eastern Washington and northern and southern areas of the state, but for the first time in franchise history, a Firehouse Sub has opened in King County.

According to first-time Firehouse Subs franchisee Travis Leistiko, there are more to come.

Located in Covington near Planet Fitness and Kohl’s, the fast food restaurant officially opened in late April, and Leistiko says its opening day went above and beyond.

“It was crazy busy. The Friday we opened exceeded my expectations,” said Leistiko. “The weekend was even bigger. We’re a new restaurant so people were understanding about any mistakes and we’ve re-made subs, given out cards to people.”

Firehouse Subs offers hot sub sandwiches, both custom and specialty, which include Italian, meatball and Jamaican jerk turkey. The menu also has salads, chips, and Coca-Cola products and there are catering options as well.

Like all Firehouse Subs, the Covington shop is decorated with firefighter decor and a custom-made mural along the wall.

“My daughter actually sketched out the mural which was then sent to the artist Joe Puskas,” Leistiko said of the mural, which depicts his three children doing their favorite activities — specifically soccer, fishing and reading a book. The background of the painting shows a view of Mt. Rainier from Lake Sawyer and the foreground has a #78 firetruck from the Covington fire station.

Another unique aspect of Firehouse Subs is its commitment to having a portion of every purchase given to first responders and public safety organizations through the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, which provides safety and life-saving equipment and resources throughout the United States. For Leistiko, he said this aspect of the franchise makes him feel attached to his previous career in healthcare and medicine.

“As a respiratory therapist of 25 years at Harborview Medical Center, where I worked with countless EMTs and firefighter personnel, the commitment to supporting local heroes through Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation is my favorite thing about the brand,” said Leistiko. “When I realized I could fulfill my dream of owning my own sub shop, while still supporting first responders, it was a no-brainer to me to join the Firehouse Subs family.”

According to Leistiko, he has agreed to further develop the franchise to three areas throughout King County though he hasn’t decided on where. “I’m open to anywhere really, but I do love Southcenter,” Leistiko said of the Tukwila shopping area.

As for his favorite sub, Leistiko says that it changes every day. “I especially like the Cajun Chicken and my wife loves the Hook and Ladder,” he said.

The Covington Firehouse Subs is open from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week and is located at 16929 SE 270th Place, Suite 106.