Solomon Choi, an entrepreneur known for founding the self-service frozen yogurt chain 16 Handles, has died. He was 44 years old.
In a March 2023 Instagram post, Choi revealed that he sold the company during the 2022 pandemic.
Following news of his death, 16 Handles current owner and CEO Neil Hershman released a statement on Choi’s death.
Solomon Choi.
Solomon Choi/ Instagram
“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, always with a big smile and an optimistic outlook,” the statement continued.
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“Our hearts go out to his family, friends and all those who loved and worked with him at this incredibly difficult time.”
According to Choi’s LinkedIn profile, he was scheduled to participate in the QSR Summit panel “The Future of Digital Transformation in the Fast Casual & QSR Industry” on Tuesday, June 11.
The account lists him as the CEO of Jabba Brands and lists his residence as New York.
According to his obituary, Choi died on June 7. The cause of death was not given.
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Solomon Choi.
Solomon Choi/ Instagram
Prior to starting 16 Handles, the Seoul, South Korea-born entrepreneur attended the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business, graduating in 2002 with a degree in business administration.
Choi is survived by his wife Hannah Chang-Choi, their children 7-year-old Jubilee and 4-year-old Joshua, his parents and two sisters.
The couple met in 2015 and got engaged within 85 days of meeting.
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Just six months after they met, Choi and Chang-Choi got married.
“Salamun was an outstanding example of a man guided by his intention and faith in God and passionately sharing Christ’s love with others. He led a Christian men’s group and was committed to supporting and challenging those around him to be the best version of themselves,” his obituary read.
His loved ones said his “legacy will live on forever” and noted his “tireless optimism, his discipline and fearlessness and his Michael Jackson dance moves”.
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“He was devoted to loving his wife and children as much as he could and will be remembered as the best husband and dad in the world,” the obituary said.
Services for Choi will be held at Promise Church on Saturday, June 14, at 5 p.m
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education