Why Firehouse Subs Is Giving Away This Strange Candle

If you've ever been to a Firehouse Subs, you may have noticed the five-gallon red buckets that hold pickle spears. The big pickle buckets have become so popular over the years, that the sandwich chain actually sells the buckets — once all of the pickles have been consumed, of course — in order to raise money for the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. They're great for crafts, storage, using as planters, and more (via Mile High on the Cheap).

Considering the popularity of its pickle bucket, Firehouse Subs decided to create a special item for National Pickle Day, happening Saturday, November 14. Starting at noon EST, pickle bucket fans can claim a free, pickle-scented 13-ounce pickle bucket candle at FirehouseSubs.com, while supplies last, according to a company press release. Firehouse Subs Chief Pickle Officer Don Fox, said in the release, "For National Pickle Day, we wanted to give pickle lovers across the country the chance to relish in their favorite scent with a free, one-of-a-kind Firehouse Subs Pickle Bucket Candle." Yep, the pickle candle is free.

Can the Firehouse Subs candle work with other food candles?

The pickle-scented candle from Firehouse Subs is not the first food-scented candle to whet our appetites. According to Food Network, there was a McDonald's candle set that, when combined, smelled like a Quarter Pounder. There were also Original Slider-scented candles from White Castle, and KFC had fried chicken and gravy-scented candles. Do you think that this pickle-scented candle would smell delicious burning alongside any of these?

According to the company press release, sales of the five-gallon Firehouse Subs Pickle Bucket was an idea that started in 2009 with Mike Pietrzyk, a Firehouse Subs Area Representative and Franchisee. In 2019, pickle bucket sales have generated more than $630,000 for the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, which has a mission to impact the "lifesaving capabilities, and the lives, of local heroes and their communities." Five-gallon pickle buckets are available at all Firehouse Sub locations for $3 each. 

And when National Pickle Day arrives on Saturday, November 14? You can pick up a pickle-scented candle for free. But remember, it will only be available on that day and the quantities are limited.