Chris Sorensen, a co-founder of the sandwich chain Firehouse Subs, has died at the age of 65. Before entering the restaurant industry, Sorensen was a professional guitarist, having sat in with notable bands such as Huey Lewis and the News, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Foreigner and Earth, Wind & Fire.
He later pursued a career in firefighting, following in the footsteps of his father, Robert. Sorensen worked at the Brevard County Fire Department and the Jacksonville International Airport Fire and Rescue Department before spending 10 years as an engineer and EMT at the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department.
In 1994, Sorensen and his younger brother, Robin, co-founded Firehouse Subs, opening the first location in their hometown of Jacksonville. At the time, they had less than $100 in their checking accounts, according to reports. The chain's signature sandwiches, featuring steamed meats and cheeses piled high on warm toasted rolls, quickly gained popularity.
Sorensen took creative ownership of the interior design of Firehouse Subs restaurants, outfitting each location with a custom mural depicting fire and police service unique to the restaurant's town. He also ensured that the legacy of Firehouse Subs was preserved, serving as the chain's unofficial archivist.
In 2005, Sorensen and his brother created the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, which provides first-responders with life-saving equipment, tools and education. The organization has awarded over $118 million in grants to more than 7,700 departments in the U.S. and Canada.
Firehouse Subs was sold in 2021 to Restaurant Brands International, which also owns Burger King, and the chain has since grown to over 1,200 locations.
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