Firehouse Subs co-founder Chris Sorensen dies at 65

Right · 2Chris Sorensen, a co-founder of the sandwich chain Firehouse Subs, has died at 65. 1 2 Right · 1Before entering the restaurant industry, he was a professional guitarist who, according to his obituary, sat in with bands including Huey Lewis and the News, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Foreigner and Earth, Wind & Fire. 2 Right · 1He then became a firefighter like his father, Robert, working at the Brevard County Fire Department and the Jacksonville International Airport Fire and Rescue Department, before spending 10 years as an engineer and EMT at the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department. 2

Right · 2In 1994, Chris and his younger brother Robin co-founded Firehouse Subs, opening the first location in their hometown of Jacksonville; according to Nation's Restaurant News they had less than $100 in their checking accounts. 1 2 Right · 1Robin Sorensen told the Jacksonville Daily Record in 2020 that the flagship's first order was not a sub but two hot dogs with everything on them, about 10 ingredients, which made for a long ticket time. 2 Right · 2Chris took creative ownership of the restaurants' interiors, giving each location a custom mural depicting fire and police service unique to its town, and as a collector of historical artifacts he served as the chain's unofficial archivist. 1 2

Right · 2The chain was sold in 2021 for one billion dollars to Restaurant Brands International, which also owns Burger King, and has since grown to more than 1,200 locations. 1 2 Right · 2In 2005 the brothers created the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, which provides first responders with life-saving equipment, tools and education and, per the obituary, has awarded more than $118 million in grants to 7,700 departments in the US and Canada. 1 2 Right · 1Fox News Digital said it reached out to Firehouse Subs for comment; the coverage gives no cause of death or date of death. 1