• by Tanya Gazdik , Yesterday

Firehouse Subs has a message for every Mike, Michael, Mikey, Miguel, Michelle, Michele, and Michaela in America: This one's on us.

On May 6, any guest who shares a name in the “Mike” family gets a free medium Steak & Cheese Melt at participating U.S. Firehouse Subs restaurants. 

The promotion quickly sparked speculation from fans that the meal was a swipe at rival Jersey Mike’s, especially after an earlier marketing email carried the subject line “Firehouse Subs Trolls Jersey Mike’s,” according to Savor Nation.

But the comms team negated that story. 

“‘Our own president is named Mike,’ communications director Mike Vizza said in a statement, referring to executive Mike Hancock,” according to the New York Post. ““We’ll let people enjoy the coincidence. We’re just focused on our guests and celebrating our new Steak & Cheese Melt.”

Company President Mike Hancock admitted the giveaway is  “a lighthearted nod” to a competitor,” according to The Dallas Express. 

"We're proud of this sub,” Hancock says. “Sharing it with every Mike in America felt like a great way to kick things off.”

Firehouse Subs said the campaign is intended to introduce its new sub to the masses, not just folks named Mike. 

"The Mikes are getting their moment, but the sub is for everyone," the company's social media commented on Instagram.