Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center

University of Arkansas at Little Rock - College of Business
Donald W. Reynolds Center for Business and Economic Development
2801 S. University / Little Rock, Arkansas 72204
Phone: (501) 683-7700   Fax: (501) 683-7720

Firehouse Subs
Tim Cobb, Owner
Little Rock & Maumelle, Arkansas

In early 2002 Tim Cobb and his wife decided to eat at a Firehouse Subs located on Chenal Parkway in west Little Rock. While there, Cobb's wife suggested they consider opening a Firehouse Subs franchise. Cobb, an Emergency Medical Technician, was considering a career change. Having about seven years' experience in the sub-sandwich industry, he decided to give the idea serious consideration.

A few months later Cobb began conducting research on the Firehouse Subs franchise by attending an information session offered by the franchisor. In June 2002, Cobb began working with Phil Harris, Business Consultant at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock SBDC. Harris worked with Cobb to develop a business plan and prepare financial projections in preparation for a business loan application. Cobb used his business plan to secure a SBA-guaranteed loan and a small business loan financed by Bank of America. Cobb successfully began operations in March 2003 in the busy Colony West shopping center on Rodney Parham.

Cobb continued to work with Phil Harris and opened three additional restaurant locations. He is currently in the early stages of constructing his fourth restaurant in Maumelle, which he plans to open in 2008.


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The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration through a partnership with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock College of Business and other institutions of higher education. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA. It is the goal of UALR to eliminate discriminatory harassment and to promote equal opportunity regardless of race, gender, color, national origin, sexual orientation, age, religion, veteran's status, or disability.