Chris Sorensen, the former firefighter and co-founder of Firehouse Subs, passed away on October 11, 2026, at the age of 65, surrounded by his family. The Jacksonville businessman, who helped transform a small sandwich restaurant into a nationally recognized franchise, is survived by his wife of 43 years, Kirsten Sorensen, their three children and six grandchildren. His passing has brought renewed attention to the close family relationships that influenced his business career and personal life.
Sorensen built his professional success alongside his younger brother, Robin Sorensen, with whom he established Firehouse Subs in 1994. Beyond the restaurant industry, he was remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather and musician whose family remained central to his life.
Who Was Chris Sorensen’s Wife?
Chris Sorensen was married to Kirsten “Puschel” Sorensen for 43 years. Their marriage began long before Firehouse Subs became a successful restaurant franchise.
Kirsten remained an important part of his personal journey as he transitioned from firefighting into entrepreneurship.
The couple built their family in Northeast Florida, where Chris spent much of his professional life.
Although Kirsten generally stayed outside the public spotlight, she was closely connected to the family life that Sorensen valued.
Their marriage lasted through the early financial struggles of launching Firehouse Subs, the company’s rapid expansion and Chris’s eventual retirement from the business.
Family tributes described Kirsten as his wife and best friend, reflecting their long-standing relationship.
How Many Children Did Chris Sorensen Have?
Chris and Kirsten Sorensen had three children: Eric Sorensen, Steffi Sorensen and Brittany Cooney.
Each pursued a different path, reflecting the family’s interests in business, sports and personal achievement.
Eric remained an important figure in his father’s life, with Chris recognizing his son’s determination and resilience.
Steffi developed a successful career in basketball before becoming a television sports analyst.
Brittany followed an entrepreneurial path, establishing herself in Northeast Florida’s restaurant industry.
Despite their different professional interests, all three children remained an important part of Chris’s family life.
Sorensen was also a grandfather to six grandchildren, adding another generation to the family he had built with Kirsten.
His Daughter Steffi Sorensen’s Sports Career
Steffi Sorensen is one of Chris Sorensen’s most publicly recognized children.
She developed into a talented basketball player during her school years before competing at the collegiate level.
Steffi played for the University of Florida women’s basketball team, where she became known for her competitive approach and leadership.
After completing her playing career, she transitioned into sports broadcasting.
She eventually became an ESPN basketball commentator, covering college basketball and contributing analysis during televised games.
Her career brought the Sorensen family recognition outside the restaurant business.
Chris supported his daughter’s achievements and remained proud of her professional development.
Brittany Cooney’s Restaurant Business
Chris Sorensen’s daughter Brittany Cooney followed a professional path that shared similarities with her father’s entrepreneurial career.
Alongside her husband, Mike Cooney, Brittany became involved in the Northeast Florida restaurant industry.
The couple owns and operates Ember & Iron, a restaurant known for its wood-fired cooking, and Gemma Fish + Oyster, a seafood-focused dining establishment.
Their businesses reflect an interest in hospitality and restaurant operations, an industry that played a major role in the Sorensen family’s history.
While Brittany developed her own business identity, her father’s experience building Firehouse Subs provided an example of long-term entrepreneurship.
Her work also helped extend the family’s involvement in Florida’s hospitality industry.
Chris Sorensen’s Parents and Firefighting Background
Chris Sorensen was born to Robert and Wanda Sorensen, whose careers and family values influenced his upbringing.
His father, Robert Sorensen, served as a firefighter captain for 43 years.
Growing up around firefighting helped Chris develop an appreciation for public service and the close relationships within fire departments.
Robert’s career eventually inspired both Chris and his younger brother Robin to become firefighters.
Their parents also operated a local television business, giving the brothers early exposure to entrepreneurship.
These experiences helped establish the foundation for the restaurant company they would later create.
The firefighting profession became central to the Firehouse Subs identity, influencing everything from the restaurant’s name to its emergency-service-themed atmosphere.
His Brother Robin Sorensen and Firehouse Subs
Chris shared a particularly close relationship with his younger brother, Robin Sorensen.
The brothers worked as firefighters before deciding to establish their own restaurant business.
In 1994, they opened the first Firehouse Subs location in Jacksonville, Florida.
The business began with limited financial resources, but the brothers believed their approach to serving hot specialty sandwiches could attract customers.
Their shared firefighting background became a defining feature of the restaurant’s branding.
Over the following decades, Firehouse Subs expanded across the United States and internationally.
The company eventually grew to more than 1,200 locations before being acquired by Restaurant Brands International in 2021 for approximately $1 billion.
The transaction represented a major achievement for the brothers, who had started the business with very little money.
Chris Sorensen’s Siblings and Extended Family
In addition to Robin, Chris Sorensen was survived by siblings Lisa, Cecily and Chadwick.
His extended family remained an important part of his personal life, particularly as he moved away from daily business responsibilities.
The Sorensen family’s connection to public service also continued through the charitable initiatives associated with Firehouse Subs.
The company established the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation in 2005 to support first responders and public safety organizations.
The foundation became an important part of the brothers’ business legacy, helping provide equipment and resources to emergency-service departments.
Family Remembers Chris Sorensen’s Legacy
Chris Sorensen’s passing on October 11, 2026, marked the end of a remarkable career that connected firefighting, entrepreneurship and philanthropy.
He was also passionate about music and played guitar, maintaining creative interests outside the restaurant business.
His family remembered him for his generosity, determination and dedication to the people closest to him.
Although Chris Sorensen became widely recognized for helping build Firehouse Subs into a major restaurant franchise, his lasting personal legacy remains closely connected to his wife Kirsten, their three children, six grandchildren and the siblings who shared his journey.
His achievements reflected decades of hard work, but the family relationships behind those accomplishments remained an equally important part of his story.
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