Firehouse Subs Co-founder Dies After Building Sandwich Empire With Brother

WHO:

NY Post - Chris Sorensen was a co-founder of Firehouse Subs.

NY Post - Sorensen was a former firefighter and professional guitarist.

Fox News - Chris Sorensen co-founded Firehouse Subs with his brother.

WHAT:

NY Post - Sorensen died after helping build Firehouse Subs into a sandwich chain.

NY Post - Firehouse Subs had 1,200 restaurant locations nationwide.

NY Post - Sorensen left a legacy of philanthropy.

Fox News - Sorensen and his brother built Firehouse Subs into a 1,200-location restaurant chain.

Fox News - The brothers started the business with less than $100 in the bank.

WHERE:

Fox News - Sorensen co-founded Firehouse Subs in Jacksonville, Florida.

HOW:

NY Post - Sorensen built the sandwich chain with his brother.

Fox News - The brothers launched the business with less than $100 in the bank.

(UPDATED October 26, 2026 07:30 UTC)

Chris Sorensen, co-founder of Firehouse Subs, has died after helping build the business into a nationwide sandwich chain with 1,200 locations. Sorensen started the company in Jacksonville, Florida, with his brother, and together they grew it from a venture launched with less than $100 in the bank. Before becoming a restaurateur, Sorensen worked as a firefighter and as a professional guitarist. His background in firefighting helped shape the brand’s identity, while his work with his brother turned a small operation into a major restaurant chain. Sorensen was also remembered for a legacy of philanthropy. Firehouse Subs’ growth brought the brothers’ original venture to restaurants across the country, making Sorensen’s story one of entrepreneurship, family partnership and service.