Firehouse Subs is offering free sandwiches, but there’s a catch: you need to be part of the “Mike Family.”
On May 6, the popular sub chain, which has over 1,200 locations across the U.S., will give away a medium sandwich to anyone named “Michael” or similar variations like “Mike,” “Mikey,” “Michela,” “Michelle,” “Miguel,” and more.
This promotion quickly led to speculation among fans that it might be a jab at the competitor Jersey Mike’s, especially since a previous marketing email had the subject line “Fire Department Submarine Trolls, Jersey Mike’s,” as reported.
“Our president is named Mike,” said Mike Vizza, the public relations director, referencing executive Mike Hancock.
“It’s just a coincidence, really. We’re just focusing on our guests and the launch of our new Steak & Cheese Melt.” Hancock emphasized that the giveaway felt like a perfect way to kick off the new sandwich, which features prime rib, provolone cheese, and caramelized onions and peppers.
To get the free sandwich, you need to show a photo ID with a qualifying name at participating locations across the U.S. Interestingly, they mentioned that “middle names count if they appear on the identification document,” though eligibility might vary based on the franchisee’s discretion.
While the offer is limited to participating restaurants, there’s no word on how many free sandwiches will be given away or how long the promotion will last at each spot.
If this campaign is indeed a dig at Jersey Mike’s, it hasn’t been clarified how handing out free sandwiches to people named Michael fits into that notion.
Fans seem to appreciate the promotion. One Instagram user expressed, “Finally, a day where being named Mike is useful!” Another mentioned their long search for a name keychain, only to find that their name would lead to a free sub instead.
Another light-hearted comment asked, “If I were a boy, would my parents have named me Mike? Does that make sense?”
On another note, Jersey Mike’s is also making headlines. The chain, which began as a small deli at the Jersey Shore, has filed confidential documents for an initial public offering. This follows shortly after Blackstone acquired a majority stake in the company for around $8 billion.
For many, it might just be a day to wish they had the name Mike.
