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- calendar_today October 25, 2026
Chris Sorensen, Firehouse Subs Co-founder, Passes Away at 65
Chris Sorensen, the co-founder of the widely recognized Firehouse Subs sandwich chain, has died at the age of 65. Sorensen, who helped grow the company from a single Jacksonville location to more than 1,200 firehouse subs locations across the nation, leaves behind a notable legacy of both business success and philanthropy.
From Musician and Firefighter to Sandwich Chain Entrepreneur
Before entering the restaurant industry, Sorensen enjoyed a career as a professional guitarist. According to his obituary, he performed with renowned bands such as Huey Lewis and the News, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Foreigner, and Earth, Wind & Fire. Later, Sorensen followed in his father's footsteps and became a firefighter—first with the Brevard County Fire Department and later the Jacksonville International Airport Fire and Rescue Department. He spent 10 years as an engineer and EMT at Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, where his father, Robert, was also employed.
The Founding and Growth of Firehouse Subs
In 1994, Chris joined forces with his younger brother, Robin Sorensen, to establish Firehouse Subs. The duo opened their first location in Jacksonville, Florida. At the time, they reportedly had less than $100 in their checking accounts. Their first customer surprised them: the initial order was not a sub, but two hot dogs with all the fixings, each with about ten ingredients. Despite the inauspicious start, their signature steamed meats and cheeses quickly made their sandwiches popular.
Sorensen took particular creative interest in the restaurant interiors. Each Firehouse Subs location features a unique custom mural, designed under his vision to reflect fire and police service in that specific town. As an avid collector of historical artifacts, Chris became the chain’s unofficial archivist, ensuring the preservation of Firehouse Subs history and heritage.
Philanthropy through the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation
In 2005, the Sorensen brothers founded the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. Its mission: to provide life-saving equipment, tools, and education to first responders. Under Chris Sorensen’s guidance, the foundation has awarded more than $118 million in grants to 7,700 departments across the United States and Canada, reinforcing the brand’s connection to public service.
Acquisition and Expansion with Restaurant Brands International
In 2021, Firehouse Subs was acquired for $1 billion by Restaurant Brands International, which also owns Burger King. Since then, the sandwich chain’s fleet has expanded to over 1,200 locations, making Firehouse Subs a well-known player in the industry. Throughout its growth, each restaurant continues to feature the signature mural concept started by Chris Sorensen, including the historic San Marco Square location, where the mural celebrates his family's firefighting legacy.
Remembering Chris Sorensen's Lasting Impact
Chris Sorensen’s influence on both the sandwich chain landscape and the world of first-responder philanthropy endures. Through the Firehouse Subs founders’ vision and dedication, the brand has become synonymous with quality, community support, and honoring public safety officials. Sorensen is remembered not only as a successful entrepreneur but also as a creative leader and devoted supporter of first responders.
Source: foxnews.com.
