Chris Sorensen, co-founder of sandwich chain Firehouse Subs, has died at 65. Sorensen was a professional guitarist and firefighter before co-founding Firehouse Subs with his brother, Robin, in 1994. The chain’s first location opened in Sorensen’s hometown of Jacksonville, Florida.
According to an obituary published by Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, Sorensen died peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family on Oct. 11, days before his 66th birthday. He was born on Oct. 16, 1960, in Jacksonville and had lived in St. Johns County for the past 30 years.
As a guitarist, Sorensen performed with bands and artists including Earth, Wind & Fire, Lonestar, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Huey Lewis and the News, and Foreigner. He later followed in his father’s footsteps and entered the fire service. He worked for the Jacksonville International Airport Fire and Rescue Department and later the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, where he served for more than 10 years as an engineer and emergency medical technician.
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Over 27 years, Firehouse Subs grew to more than 1,200 locations, generating more than $1 billion in annual systemwide sales. Restaurant Brands International acquired the chain in 2021.
The first order at Firehouse Subs’ flagship location was not a sub but two hot dogs with all the toppings, which included about 10 ingredients, Robin Sorensen told the Jacksonville Daily Record in 2020.
“We were so focused on the subs, we weren’t prepared for that order. Needless to say, it was a long ticket time,” Robin Sorensen said.
Chris Sorensen also took creative ownership of the interiors of Firehouse Subs restaurants, decorating each location with a custom mural depicting fire and police services unique to the community.
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Chris Sorensen was also a collector of historical artifacts and served as the chain’s unofficial archivist, helping preserve Firehouse Subs’ history, according to Fox News.
In 2005, Chris and Robin Sorensen established the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation to provide first responders with lifesaving equipment, tools and education. Since its founding, the foundation has awarded more than $118 million in grants to 7,700 departments across the United States and Canada. Chris Sorensen considered the foundation his most meaningful professional achievement.
A celebration of life was held on Oct. 23 at The Church of Eleven22 on Longleaf Pine Parkway in St. Johns County. In lieu of flowers, the family had requested donations to the Eric Sorensen Motor Speech Program at Brooks Rehabilitation or the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation.