Apple has added another food-and-beverage arrow to its Apple Pay quiver, as hot sandwich chain Firehouse Subs on Thursday announced that each of its more than 860 locations across the U.S. would begin accepting contactless payments through Apple Pay.
"Innovation and exceptional customer service are two core values at Firehouse Subs and as the No. 1 fast casual brand, we are excited to bring Apple Pay to our restaurants," says Don Fox, CEO, Firehouse of America, LLC. "By moving in this direction, Firehouse Subs is able to provide our guests an easy, secure and private way to make mobile payments."
Firehouse joins fellow nationwide food chains Panera Bread, Subway, and McDonald's in rolling out Apple Pay support. A number of supermarkets accept Apple Pay as well, including FoodMaxx, Harvey's, Meijer, Save Mart, Shaw's, Sprouts, and Whole Foods, with support from Albertsons coming soon.
Jacksonville, Fl.-based Firehouse is a rapidly growing fast casual chain with a footprint stretching across 43 states. The company plans to open more than 2,000 restaurants by 2020, making them an ideal partner for Apple's nascent mobile payments system.
Customers can currently pay in-store with Apple's iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus. The Apple Watch -- details of which are expected to be revealed at a March 9 media event -- will also support brick-and-mortar payments upon its release.