Summary (tl;dr)

Chris Sorensen, co-founder of the popular Firehouse Subs restaurant chain and a retired firefighter, has died at the age of 65.

Essential Background

Chris Sorensen, along with his brother Robin, founded Firehouse Subs in 1994 in Jacksonville, Florida, drawing upon their background as firefighters. The brothers grew the franchise into a national brand with over 1,200 locations before selling it in 2021 for $1 billion. Sorensen was also a professional musician and deeply involved in philanthropy through the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, which he co-founded in 2005 to support first responders.

The Full Story

Chris Sorensen passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by loved ones, on October 11, 2026, at the age of 65. While a cause of death was not disclosed, news of his passing became public around October 17-19, 2026, leading to widespread tributes and searches for his name. He was remembered for his entrepreneurial spirit, his commitment to public safety through his work as a firefighter, and his significant contributions to the community via the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, which has awarded over $118 million in grants to public safety organizations across North America. A Celebration of Life service is scheduled to take place on October 23, 2026, in St. Johns County, Florida.

Why It Matters

Chris Sorensen's passing is significant because he was a prominent figure who built a successful national restaurant chain from the ground up, rooted in his family's firefighting heritage. His legacy extends beyond business through the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, which has provided crucial support to first responders nationwide. His life story, encompassing careers as a musician, firefighter, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, has resonated with many, leading to public interest and tributes.

Geographic Location

• Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida, United States (founding of Firehouse Subs; Sorensen's career as a firefighter)
• St. Johns County, Florida, United States (Sorensen's home for 30 years; location of Celebration of Life service)