The Jacksonville firefighter who helped grow a sandwich shop he opened with his brother in 1994 into a national chain worth $1 billion died this week.
Chris Sorensen was 65.
Sorensen opened Firehouse Subs with his Jacksonville firefighter brother Robin. Its popularity grew, first in Jacksonville and then around the country.
By the time the pair sold it to Restaurant Brands International in 2021 for $1 billion in a cash deal, the chain had grown to about 1,200 restaurants.
“Jacksonville lost a true local legend this week,” a post on Instagram read.
Sorensen was the son of retired Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department Captain Robert “Captain Video” Sorensen, who dedicated 43 years to the department.
His brother, Robin, also served as a firefighter with the Jacksonville International Airport.
In addition to business success, the brothers never lost sight of their roots in public service.
In 2005, they established the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, which has awarded more than $110 million in grants to support first responders and public safety organizations.
He leaves behind his wife, Kirsten, his children and grandchildren. His sister, Cecily Sorensen, was a longtime communications executive at Firehouse Subs.
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