Chris Sorenson, the co-founder of Firehouse Subs and its Public Safety Foundation, died on Oct. 11 at age 65

NEED TO KNOW

• Chris Sorenson, who co-founded Firehouse Subs with his brother Robin in 1994, has died at age 65
• The former firefighter co-founded the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, which has donated $118 million to first responder departments across the U.S. and Canada
• The Firehouse Subs chain has grown to more than 1,200 restaurants and $1 billion in annual sales

A former firefighter and founder of a popular national sandwich chain has died. 

Chris Sorenson, the founder of Firehouse Subs, died on Oct. 11 at age 65 after years of public service and entrepreneurial work, according to his obituary.

Though Sorenson’s cause of death was not shared, the obituary said that Sorenson “passed away peacefully at his home” with “his family at his side.”

Sorenson founded the popular sandwich chain Firehouse Subs, which now has over 1,200 restaurants and over $1 billion in annual system sales, in 1994 alongside his brother Robin.

The company was sold to Restaurant Brands International in 2021.

Per the obituary, Sorenson was in charge of the interior design of Firehouse Subs, which is known for its firefighter theme.

“Everything the guest saw when they entered Firehouse was a reflection of Chris’s spirit,” the obituary said.

As an avid collector of historical artifacts, Sorenson also acted as “the brand archivist.”

The obituary said Sorenson appreciated the engagement of his family members, employees and franchisees in the Firehouse Subs brand.

The founder was also deeply involved in the brand’s philanthropic efforts, co-founding the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation in 2005. 

According to the foundation’s website, it has a mission of impacting the lives and capabilities of first responders through initiatives like providing lifesaving equipment, prevention education and disaster relief.

It has donated $118 million to 7,700 departments in the U.S. and Canada, per the obituary.

Per the foundation’s website, the organization stemmed from Hurricane Katrina, after which Sorenson and Robin gave food to first responders and survivors in Mississippi.

Sorenson “considered the Foundation to be his most meaningful public and professional achievement,” the obituary said.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Chris Sorensen,” Firehouse Subs president Mike Hancock said in a statement shared with PEOPLE. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and all who knew him.”

Hancock added that Sorenson and Robin “built Firehouse Subs into the brand it is today” and, through the brand’s foundation, created “a lasting legacy of giving back to first responders and the communities they serve.”

“We are forever grateful for his contributions to our brand and the countless lives he touched,” he said.

Before opening Firehouse Subs, Sorenson worked as an engineer and EMT at the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department for over 10 years after spending several years with other fire departments.

“During his time as a first responder, he impacted countless lives,” the obituary said. “He embodied what it means to be a public servant.”

“His sense of humor was a dry, quick wit honed as a firefighter; it served him well and endeared him to everyone he worked with at Firehouse Subs,” the obituary added.

Sorenson’s “connection to the fire service remained at the heart of his work,” the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department wrote in a tribute on its Facebook page. “His contributions have strengthened the capabilities of first responders nationwide to protect the communities they serve, leaving a legacy that will continue for generations.”

In addition to founding Firehouse Subs, Sorenson was a “beloved family man,” as well as a musician who sat in with bands like Earth, Wind & Fire and was a cancer survivor, per his obituary.

The obituary added that his greatest love in his life was his family, including his wife and “best friend of 43 years” Kirsten Sorenson, along with his son and daughters, plus six grandchildren, his parents and more family members.

“Chris’s passing has left an immeasurable void in the hearts of his family and friends; one that can never truly be filled,” the obituary said. “His life, achievements, and the family he leaves behind are a lasting testament to a legacy that is truly remarkable and unforgettable.”

The obituary said that donations may be made in Sorenson’s honor to the Eric Sorensen Motor Speech Program at Brooks Rehabilitation or to the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation.

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