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Firehouse Subs Ignites Taste Buds with ‘Hot Ones’ Collaboration: A Fiery Fusion of Flavors

Firehouse Subs, known for its hearty sandwiches and commitment to supporting firefighters, is turning up the heat in a major way. The beloved chain is joining forces with the internet sensation and celebrity interview show, "Hot Ones," for an unprecedented collaboration that promises to send taste buds into overdrive. The partnership, described by "Hot Ones" host Sean Evans as a "natural chemistry," will introduce a new line of intensely flavorful and, yes, scorching hot sub sandwiches, alongside a pickle experience unlike any other.

The collaboration, launching on Monday, March 10th, has been generating buzz among food enthusiasts and spice aficionados alike. Evans, in an interview with USA TODAY, emphasized the organic connection between the two brands. He noted the prevalence of the "Hot Ones Challenge" within firehouses across the country, where firefighters test their mettle against increasingly fiery wings. He also pointed out the similarity in their appreciation for a curated hot sauce lineup, suggesting that the collaboration was, in hindsight, inevitable. "I can’t tell you how many firefighters over the years have told me that they do the Hot Ones Challenge in the firehouse," Evans stated. "Firehouse Subs, they have the hot sauce lineup just like we do, so I think that in a lot of ways, I’m wondering why it took us so long to actually get together and do something."

"Hot Ones," a YouTube-born phenomenon that has captivated audiences since its inception in 2015, is the brainchild of host Sean Evans. The show’s premise is deceptively simple: Evans interviews celebrities while both partake in a culinary gauntlet of 10 chicken wings, each progressively hotter than the last. The show’s unique blend of insightful conversation and intense physical reactions has earned it a devoted following and a reputation for pushing even the most seasoned spice veterans to their limits. Over the past decade, "Hot Ones" has welcomed a constellation of A-list celebrities, including Jennifer Lawrence, Bill Murray, Lady Gaga, and countless others, each bravely facing the fiery challenge. The show’s cultural impact extends beyond mere entertainment, influencing food trends and popularizing the world of artisanal hot sauces.

The fruits of this collaborative effort will manifest in two new signature sub sandwiches, each building upon Firehouse Subs’ classic Hook & Ladder foundation. The Spicy Dill Hook & Ladder and the Zesty Garlic Hook & Ladder represent a carefully crafted fusion of Firehouse Subs’ commitment to quality ingredients and "Hot Ones’" expertise in delivering balanced, exciting heat. Both sandwiches feature official "Hot Ones" hot sauces, guaranteeing an authentic and unforgettable experience.

The Spicy Dill Hook & Ladder is poised to be the star of the show for thrill-seekers. This sandwich features The Last Dab Reaper Edition hot sauce, the notorious final sauce of the "Hot Ones" lineup. According to Evans, the Spicy Dill Hook & Ladder registers a solid 10 out of 10 on the spice scale, a testament to the sheer intensity of The Last Dab Reaper Edition. This potent concoction is built upon a foundation of Carolina Reaper peppers, widely recognized as one of the hottest peppers in the world, combined with distilled vinegar, ginger root, turmeric, coriander, cumin, and dry mustard. The result is a complex and searing heat that will test the limits of even the most seasoned chili-heads.

Evans elaborated on the careful consideration that went into crafting the perfect balance of heat and flavor. "I’ve had things that are so blown out that you can just take one bite and that’s enough, even for me," Evans revealed, speaking to USA TODAY. "You want something that as much as it pushes you, it’s always inviting the next bite. That was really important to us." This focus on palatable heat ensures that the Spicy Dill Hook & Ladder will provide a thrilling, yet enjoyable, culinary adventure.

For those seeking a more approachable level of spice, the Zesty Garlic Hook & Ladder offers a milder, yet equally flavorful, alternative. This sandwich features the Classic Garlic Fresno hot sauce, a common favorite among "Hot Ones" guests. Evans rates this option a two or three out of 10 on the spice scale, making it accessible to a wider range of palates. The Classic Garlic Fresno hot sauce is a vibrant blend of Fresno chile pepper, water, apple cider vinegar, garlic puree, vinegar, kosher salt, organic dried garlic, organic turmeric, and organic black pepper. The Fresno pepper provides a gentle warmth, while the garlic and other spices create a rich and savory profile.

Beyond the sandwiches, the collaboration extends to a truly unique side offering: a dill pickle marinated in "Hot Ones" The Last Dab XXX Hot Sauce. This is no ordinary pickle; it’s a culinary challenge in its own right. The Last Dab XXX is the tenth and final hot sauce consumed by Evans and his celebrity guests on each episode of "Hot Ones," representing the pinnacle of the show’s fiery progression.

Evans describes the pickle as a transformative experience, even for seasoned spice enthusiasts. "It truly is a pickle that’ll challenge even somebody with the kind of city miles that I have," Evans said. "If you’re somebody who wants to have a culinary experience where you’re just sweating from the eyebrows and really feeling like you’re in the throws of the show, you can order the pickle." The Last Dab Dill Pickle promises to deliver an intense and memorable burst of heat, perfectly capturing the essence of the "Hot Ones" experience.

The Spicy Dill Hook & Ladder, Zesty Garlic Hook & Ladder, and Last Dab Dill Pickle will be available at Firehouse Subs restaurants nationwide starting Monday, March 10th. Customers can locate their nearest Firehouse Subs restaurant by visiting firehousesubs.com/store-locator. This collaboration marks a significant moment for both Firehouse Subs and "Hot Ones," bringing together their respective strengths to create a truly unique and exciting culinary experience. Get ready to fire up your taste buds and experience the heat.