Beloved sandwich chain Firehouse Subs is mourning the death of one of its co-founders. According to Fox News, Chris Sorensen, who co-founded the sandwhich chain with his brother, Robin Sorensen, died at his home near Jacksonville, Florida, on October 11, at the age of 65. No cause of death has been given as of this writing.
The two brothers were both firefighters at the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, following in the footsteps of their father, Robert Sorensen. In 1994, Chris and his younger brother, took a leap of faith, opening up the very first Firehouse Subs, which later grew to more than 1,200 locations across the U.S.
Chris Sorensen, Co-Founder of Firehouse Subs Dies at 65
Former firefighters Chris and his younger brother Robin Sorensen were the men behind Firehouse Subs. According to Fox News, the brothers only had less than $100 dollars in their bank accounts at the time they opened up their first location in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1994. Fortunately, the restaurant quickly became a hit with locals, paving the way for its impressive growth to more than 1,450 locations worldwide, per its website.
Chris was also the man behind the overall look and feel of each sub shop, with each location having a “custom mural depicting fire and police service unique to the restaurant’s town.”
Mike Hancock, president of Firehouse Subs for North America, shared a statement regarding Chris’ passing. “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Chris Sorensen, co-founder of Firehouse Subs. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends and all who knew him.”
He continued, “Alongside his brother Robin, Chris built Firehouse Subs into the brand it is today and helped establish the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, creating a lasting legacy of giving back to first responders and the communities they serve. We are forever grateful for his contributions to our brand and the countless lives he touched.”
According to CNBC, Chris and Robin eventually sold Firehouse Subs in 2021 for one billion dollars to Restaurant Brands International, which also owns Burger King, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen and Tim Hortons.
Chris Sorensen Was a Man of Music Before Becoming a Firefighter
According to his obituary, Chris was a passionate music lover who dreamed of becoming a professional musican. A talented guitarist, he was able to pursue that dream and even performed alongside legendary acts, including Earth, Wind & Fire, Lonestar, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Huey Lewis and the News, and Foreigner.
Chris then followed in his father’s footsteps, and for four years, he was employed at the Brevard County Fire Department and for one year with the Jacksonville International Airport Fire and Rescue Department, before joining his father at the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, where he worked as an Engineer and EMT for over 10 years.
In 2005, the brothers established the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, which has since provided more than $112 million in equipment & support to first responders, per its Instagram.
Beloved Sandwich Chain Mourns Co-Founder Who Built a Restaurant Empire With His Brother