Friends and family of Solomon Choi are grieving after his unexpected death.
The founder of 16 Handles passed away on June 7. He was 44 years old. His friend, Pedram Hendizadeh, a pediatric surgeon from New York City, spoke with PEOPLE about the young entrepreneur’s legacy after his death.
“It was very, very shocking,” Hendizadeh says. “Solomon was very healthy, very happy, very optimistic, with good energy. Nobody saw this coming.”
The cause of death has not yet been revealed.
While Choi’s loved ones mourn the loss, Hendizadeh says he is very grateful to have known him. “We’re all very, very upset, but whoever spent time with him was a happy individual, and I can tell you that I’m very, very proud and happy that he was my friend,” he says.
Young entrepreneur who founded the popular frozen yogurt self-service chain 16 Hands Dead at 44.
Hendizadeh met Choi in 2015, but still learned new things about his friend at his memorial service, where Hendizadeh also spoke.
“I left the funeral inspired and I met so many other people whose lives he touched that I didn’t even know he was friends with him,” says Hendizadeh. “The place was packed. They had a toll on his life [on a screen]. They showed his moments as a child growing up, dancing, singing.
“He had a great sense of style and someone at the funeral said, ‘Solomon could wear ripped jeans and make them look good.’ He just had it… He exuded confidence.”
Pedram Hendizadeh with Solomon Choi.
Pedram Hendizadeh
Hendizadeh says Choi always had “lofty goals and achieved them all.” Even after selling 16 handles in 2022, he continued to push for new opportunities.
“He sold his company about a year and a half, two years ago, which was one of his goals. And I remember he fell a little bit after that. He says: ‘I lost my identity. I was successful in one thing. Maybe I was just lucky. I may not be successful in my next endeavor,’ recounts Hendizadeh. “He fell a little, but it was short. And then he started speaking and consulting other companies, other quick service restaurants and he felt very fulfilled doing that and he was very proud.”
Judicious delegation of time was a hallmark of Choi’s happiness, his friend says.
“Even when we had lunch, we’d meet at 12:30 for lunch, by 2 he’s like, ‘I’ve got to go.’ I ask myself: ‘Wait, where are you going?’ He says, Well, I’m sorry. I have to go get my son,’ he says. “He would always take his time and that’s what I learned the most — that life is short and his death is proof of that.”
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(719x385:721x387)/16-Handles-tribute-062624-3-ab1d479717eb4ee29324b5fef581142b.jpg)
Pedram Hendizadeh with Solomon Choi.
Pedram Hendizadeh
“He was on this earth for a short time and he made the most of it. In 44 years, he made more than five people in his life. He was very punctual, he was always careful about his time, but maybe he didn’t know that his time on this earth was short.”
Other friends and colleagues shared their tribute to Choi’s legacy. Following news of his death, 16 Handles current owner and CEO Neil Hershman released a statement.
Solomon Choi’s Friend Remembers 16 Handles Founder After His Unexpected Death: He Had ‘Incredible Energy’ (Exclusive)
“We are deeply saddened by the unexpected passing of 16 Handles founder and former CEO Solomon Choi,” Hershman said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE. “He was a visionary who came to New York in his 20s and founded this legendary frozen dessert brand. 16 Handles is where I personally started the franchise and I owe so much to Solomon for the opportunities, education, mentorship and friendship he has given me over the years.”
“Part of the mission statement for 16 Handles is to ‘create moments of happiness,’ and Solomon has truly embodied that in his personal and professional life,” he continued, “always with a big smile and an optimistic outlook.”
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education