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Firehouse Subs co-founder Chris Sorensen dies at 65

Photo: Firehouse Subs co-founders Chris Sorensen (left) and Robin Sorensen (right) stand in front of a sign announcing the opening of the first Firehouse Subs restaurant, which they co-founded in Jacksonville, Florida.

October 19, 2026

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Chris Sorensen, the former firefighter who co-founded national fast-casual chain Firehouse Subs alongside his brother, Robin, has died. He was 65.

Sorensen died peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones, according to online obituaries. A cause of death was not disclosed.

"Chris's role in co-founding Firehouse Subs with his brother Robin is legendary. His accomplishments run much deeper than that, however," Don Fox, a family friend and former CEO of Firehouse Subs, said in an interview with FastCasual. "He was a beloved family man, a retired firefighter, a musician, and an artist/designer (he designed the interiors for Firehouse Subs restaurants). He was also an incredible philanthropist. By the time of Chris's passing, the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, which he co-founded, had fulfilled over $118 million in grants to first responders."

Fox also reflected on Sorensen's personal character and impact on the business.

"He was also a great friend who, along with his brother, entrusted me with the leadership of the Firehouse team for many years," Fox said. "My family and I will always be thankful for his kindness and generosity; a sentiment shared by all who knew him."

Sorensen served as an engineer and emergency medical technician with the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department for a decade before he and his brother launched Firehouse Subs in 1994. Following in the footsteps of his father, JFRD Capt. Rob Sorensen, Chris Sorensen brought his firefighter heritage and creative vision into every aspect of the concept, including the decor and the brand's mission to support first responders.

The franchise grew from a single Florida shop into a powerhouse fast-casual brand with more than 1,500 locations nationwide before the brothers sold the company to Restaurant Brands International in 2021 for $1 billion.

Through the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, the brand provides lifesaving equipment, education, and disaster relief to first responders and public safety organizations across the country.

Funeral services

A celebration of life will take place Friday, Oct. 23, at 10 a.m. at The Church of Eleven22, 2101 Longleaf Pine Parkway in St. Johns County, Florida. A reception for family and friends will follow at the Marywood Retreat & Conference Center in St. Johns.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to either the Eric Sorensen Motor Speech Program at Brooks Rehabilitation or the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation.