Firehouse Subs co-founder and Jacksonville firefighter Chris Sorensen dies at 65
Chris Randall Sorensen, co-founder of the national sandwich chain Firehouse Subs and a former Jacksonville firefighter, died at the age of 65 on October 11, 2026. Sorensen opened the first sandwich shop in Mandarin in 1994 alongside his brother, eventually growing the business into a billion-dollar brand. Beyond his entrepreneurial success, he was widely remembered for his work as a musician, philanthropist, and dedicated public servant. A memorial service has been scheduled for October 23, 2026, as community members and colleagues across the country mourn his passing.
Listen to Live Briefing
Real-time synthesized voice briefing · Live Feeds Desk
- ✓ Chris Randall Sorensen died on October 11, 2026, at the age of 65.
- ✓ He co-founded Firehouse Subs with his brother in 1994, opening the first shop in Mandarin.
- ✓ Sorensen worked as a Jacksonville firefighter and JFRD engineer.
- ✓ A memorial service for Sorensen is set for October 23, 2026.
What changed
A memorial service for Sorensen was officially scheduled for October 23, 2026.
Live updates
-
Firehouse Subs Co-Founder Chris Sorensen Dies at 65
Chris Randall Sorensen, co-founder of the national sandwich chain Firehouse Subs and a former Jacksonville firefighter, died at the age of 65 on October 11, 2026. Sorensen opened the first sandwich shop in Mandarin in 1994 alongside his brother, eventually growing the business into a billion-dollar brand. Beyond his entrepreneurial success, he was widely remembered for his work as a musician, philanthropist, and dedicated public servant. A memorial service has been scheduled for October 23, 2026, as community members and colleagues across the country mourn his passing.
Why it matters
Sorensen spent his life balancing a career as a Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department engineer with entrepreneurial pursuits. Together with his brother, he transformed a single local restaurant into a major corporate entity before its eventual acquisition. His philanthropic efforts remained closely tied to his firefighting background, cementing his legacy in the local community.
What is confirmed
- Chris Randall Sorensen died on October 11, 2026, at the age of 65.
- He co-founded Firehouse Subs with his brother in 1994, opening the first shop in Mandarin.
- Sorensen worked as a Jacksonville firefighter and JFRD engineer.
- A memorial service for Sorensen is set for October 23, 2026.
What to watch next
- Details or public attendance figures from the scheduled October 23 memorial service.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (11)
- www.yahoo.com — Yahoo
- Action News Jax — Firehouse Subs co-founder and Jacksonville firefighter Chris Sorensen dies at 65
- News4JAX — Chris Sorensen, Firehouse Subs co-founder, firefighter philanthropist, dies at 65
- The Florida Times-Union — Firehouse Subs co-founder, retired firefighter Chris Sorensen dies
- Dignity Memorial — Chris Sorensen Obituary - Jacksonville, FL
- Wide Open Country — Firehouse Subs Founder Dead, Aged 65
- www.news4jax.com — Chris Sorensen, Firehouse Subs co-founder, firefighter philanthropist, dies at 65 - News4JAX ,WJXT Channel 4
- www.yahoo.com — Firehouse Subs co-founder and Jacksonville firefighter Chris ...
- www.nrn.com — Chris Sorensen, Firehouse Subs cofounder, has died
- www.actionnewsjax.com — Firehouse Subs co-founder Chris Sorensen remembered for ...
- www.thefloridapress.com — Chris Sorensen, Firehouse Subs Co-Founder, Dies at 65
Community Sentiment: How do you assess this situation?
Voice your perspective · Real-time aggregated sentiment from the Live Feeds community