The Jacksonville firefighter helped grow a sandwich shop he opened with his brother in 1994 into a national chain worth $1 billion died this week.<\/p>\n
Chris Sorensen was 65.<\/p>\n
Sorensen opened Firehouse Subs with his Jacksonville firefighter brother Robin. Its popularity grew, first in Jacksonville and then around the country.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“Jacksonville lost a true local legend this week,” a post on Instagram read.<\/p>\n
In addition to business success, the brothers never lost sight of this roots in public service.<\/p>\n
Sorensen was the son of retired Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department Captain Robert “Captain Video” Sorensen, who dedicated 43 years to the department.<\/p>\n
His brother, Robin, also served as a firefighter with Jacksonville International Airport.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
He leaves behind his wife, Kirsten, his children and grandchildren. His sister, Cecily Sorensen, was a longtime communications executive at Firehouse Subs.<\/p>\n
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