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Chris Sorensen, co-founder of the Firehouse Subs sandwich chain, has died at age 65.
Before entering the restaurant industry, Sorensen was a professional guitarist, even being part of bands such as Huey Lewis and the News, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Foreigner and Earth, Wind & Fire, according to his obituary.
He then became a firefighter, following in the footsteps of his father, Robert.
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After working at the Brevard County Fire Department and the Jacksonville International Airport Fire and Rescue Department, Chris spent 10 years as an engineer and paramedic at the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, where his father also worked at the time.
Chris Sorensen, middle, worked as a firefighter and paramedic for years before getting into the restaurant business with his brother Robin, co-founding the Firehouse Subs sandwich chain. (Fire Station Subs)
In 1994, Chris and his younger brother Robin co-founded Firehouse Subs, opening the first location in their hometown of Jacksonville.
They had less than $100 in their checking account at the time, according to Nation’s Restaurant News.
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Surprisingly, the very first order placed at the chain’s flagship store was not a sub, but two hot dogs with everything on them, made with about 10 ingredients, Robin Sorensen told the Jacksonville Daily Record in 2020.
“We were so focused on submarines that we were not prepared for this order. Needless to say, it was a long shot,” he said.
Firehouse Subs opened in Jacksonville, Florida in 1994. (iStock)
Featuring steamed meats and cheeses piled high on warm toasted buns, Firehouse sandwiches quickly became a hit.
Chris creatively made the interior of Firehouse Subs restaurants his own, outfitting each location with a custom mural depicting the fire and police departments unique to the city where the restaurant is located.
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A collector of historical artifacts, he has ensured the preservation of the legacy of Firehouse Subs, serving as the chain’s unofficial archivist.
After being sold in 2021 for $1 billion to Restaurant Brands International, which also owns Burger King, Firehouse Subs’ fleet has grown to more than 1,200 locations.
Each Firehouse Subs restaurant features a mural. In this one, located on the chain’s historic plaza in St. Mark’s Square, the mural depicts former Jacksonville firefighter Captain Rob Sorensen with his two sons, Chris, left, and Robin Sorensen, founders of the restaurant chain. (USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
In 2005, Chris and Robin Sorensen established the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, with the mission of providing first responders with life-saving equipment, tools and education.
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The organization has awarded more than $118 million in grants to 7,700 departments in the United States and Canada, according to the obituary.
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Fox News Digital has contacted Firehouse Subs for comment.
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