Chris Randall Sorensen, the Jacksonville firefighter turned entrepreneur who co-founded Firehouse Subs with his younger brother Robin, passed away peacefully at his home on October 11, 2026, at the age of 65. Surrounded by his family, Sorensen left behind a remarkable legacy in the restaurant industry, public service and philanthropy. His family later gathered for a Celebration of Life on October 23 in St. Johns, Florida, honoring a man remembered for his generosity, musical talent and dedication to helping others.
Sorensen helped transform a small Jacksonville sandwich shop into an internationally recognized restaurant chain with more than 1,200 locations. Although his business achievements brought him widespread recognition, his obituary emphasized the personal relationships and charitable contributions that defined his life.
Chris Sorensen’s Passing and Official Obituary
Chris Sorensen passed away on October 11, 2026, following a life that included firefighting, entrepreneurship, music and charitable work.
His official obituary described him as a devoted family man, cancer survivor and successful businessman who maintained strong connections to his hometown.
The precise medical cause of his passing was not publicly disclosed.
Although Sorensen had previously experienced cancer, no verified public statement established that the illness was responsible for his passing.
His family confirmed that he was surrounded by loved ones at his home.
News of his passing prompted tributes from the restaurant industry, Jacksonville’s firefighting community and people who benefited from the charitable organization he helped establish.
Early Life and Musical Interests
Chris Randall Sorensen was born in Jacksonville, Florida, where he developed interests in music, public service and business.
His parents, Robert and Wanda Sorensen, provided an upbringing that exposed him to both entrepreneurship and firefighting.
His father served as a firefighter captain for 43 years, while his parents also operated a local television business.
These experiences influenced Chris and his younger brother Robin as they considered their professional futures.
Music became another important part of Chris’s life.
He developed considerable skill as a guitarist and enjoyed performing throughout his younger years.
According to his obituary, his musical experiences included opportunities to play alongside musicians associated with well-known rock bands such as Lynyrd Skynyrd and Foreigner.
Although he eventually became best known for his restaurant business, his enthusiasm for music continued throughout his life.
His Career as a Jacksonville Firefighter
Before entering the restaurant industry, Sorensen worked for the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department.
He followed his father’s example by pursuing a career in emergency services.
During more than a decade of service, he worked as a firefighter, engineer and emergency medical technician.
The profession introduced him to demanding situations that required teamwork, discipline and quick decision-making.
It also strengthened his appreciation for the people who dedicate their careers to protecting local communities.
His firefighting experiences later became an important part of the identity behind Firehouse Subs.
Rather than abandoning his public service background when he entered business, Sorensen incorporated those values into the restaurant chain he created with Robin.
How Chris and Robin Sorensen Founded Firehouse Subs
In 1994, Chris and Robin Sorensen opened their first Firehouse Subs restaurant in Jacksonville, Florida.
The brothers began with limited financial resources, reportedly having less than $100 in their checking accounts.
They believed that serving hot specialty sandwiches in a welcoming environment could distinguish their business from competing restaurants.
Their firefighting background inspired the company’s name, restaurant design and overall branding.
The early years required considerable effort as the brothers worked to attract customers and develop a sustainable business.
Over time, their concept gained popularity, leading to additional locations and franchise expansion.
Firehouse Subs eventually grew into one of America’s most recognizable sandwich chains.
By 2021, the company operated more than 1,200 restaurants.
That year, Restaurant Brands International acquired Firehouse Subs in a transaction valued at approximately $1 billion.
The acquisition marked a major milestone for the brothers, whose original restaurant had grown into a successful national franchise.
Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation
One of Sorensen’s most meaningful accomplishments was helping establish the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation.
The organization was created in 2005 to provide support for first responders and public safety agencies.
Its work focused on supplying emergency equipment, training resources and other assistance to organizations serving local communities.
The foundation became closely associated with Firehouse Subs and reflected the brothers’ firefighting backgrounds.
Over the years, it provided more than $118 million in grants and assistance to public safety organizations.
These contributions helped departments obtain equipment and resources that might otherwise have been difficult to afford.
Sorensen considered the foundation’s charitable impact among his proudest achievements.
His involvement demonstrated that the values he developed as a firefighter continued influencing his work long after he entered the restaurant industry.
Chris Sorensen’s Wife, Children and Grandchildren
Chris Sorensen was married to his wife, Kirsten “Puschel” Sorensen, for 43 years.
Their marriage remained an important part of his personal life throughout his professional success.
The couple raised three children: Eric Sorensen, Steffi Sorensen and Brittany Cooney.
Steffi became a collegiate basketball player before establishing herself as an ESPN sports commentator.
Brittany pursued entrepreneurship in Northeast Florida’s restaurant industry alongside her husband, Mike Cooney.
Chris was also a proud grandfather to six grandchildren.
His surviving family included his wife, children, grandchildren, parents and siblings.
His younger brother Robin remained particularly important to his life, having shared both a firefighting background and decades of business accomplishments with him.
Celebration of Life and Memorial Donations
A Celebration of Life honoring Chris Sorensen took place on October 23, 2026, in St. Johns, Florida.
The gathering provided an opportunity for family members, friends and others connected to his life to remember his achievements and personal character.
His family encouraged memorial contributions to organizations that reflected causes close to his heart.
These included the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation and the Eric Sorensen Motor Speech Program.
The requested donations highlighted Sorensen’s continuing commitment to public service, rehabilitation and helping individuals facing significant challenges.
Remembering Chris Sorensen’s Legacy
Chris Sorensen’s life brought together several different passions, including firefighting, music, entrepreneurship and philanthropy.
His success with Firehouse Subs demonstrated how a small family business could develop into a nationally recognized brand.
However, his charitable work and commitment to supporting first responders remained equally significant.
Beyond the billion-dollar business he helped build, Sorensen will be remembered for his 43-year marriage, his devotion to his children and grandchildren, and the lasting support he provided to emergency-service communities.
His legacy continues through his family, the restaurant chain he co-founded and the public safety initiatives that remain connected to his name.
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