Firehouse Subs co-founder Chris Sorensen dies at 65

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 26 Oct, 06:19 · Archive

Chris Sorensen, co-founder of the sandwich chain Firehouse Subs, has died at 65. Before entering the restaurant industry, Sorensen was a professional guitarist who performed with bands including Huey Lewis and the News, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Foreigner and Earth, Wind & Fire. He later became a firefighter, following his father Robert, and worked as an engineer and EMT at the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department for ten years.

In 1994, Chris and his younger brother Robin co-founded Firehouse Subs in Jacksonville with less than $100 in their checking accounts. The first-ever order at the flagship location was not a sub but two hot dogs with about ten ingredients, Robin told the Jacksonville Daily Record in 2020. Featuring steamed meats and cheeses on warm toasted rolls, Firehouse sandwiches soon became popular.

Chris designed the interior of each Firehouse Subs location with custom murals depicting fire and police service unique to each restaurant's town. He also served as the chain's unofficial archivist, collecting historical artifacts. After being sold in 2021 to Restaurant Brands International, which owns Burger King, the Firehouse Subs fleet grew to more than 1,200 locations.

How it is being reported

• Firehouse Subs co-founder dies after building beloved American sandwich chain with brotherThe former firefighter and professional guitarist left a legacy of philanthropy and 1,200 restaurant locations nationwide.New York Post · 26 Oct, 06:00
• Firehouse Subs co-founder dies after building beloved American sandwich chain with brotherChris Sorensen co-founded Firehouse Subs in Jacksonville, Florida, with less than $100 in the bank before building a 1,200-location empire.Fox News · 25 Oct, 19:41

In this story: Chris Sorensen · Robin Sorensen · Firehouse Subs · Jacksonville · Restaurant Brands International

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