Restaurant chain founder Solomon Choi dead at age 44 after launching ‘visionary’ chain in his 20s that grew nationwide [Video]

SOLOMON Choi, the founder of the self-service frozen yogurt company 16 Handles, has died at age 44.

Choi died on Friday, entrepreneur Neil Hershman, who purchased the 16 Handles franchise from Choi in 2022, announced.

Solomon Choi, the founder of 16 Handles frozen yogurt, died on Friday at age 44Credit: Instagram/solomonchoi

16 Handles is a self-service frozen yogurt companyCredit: YouTube/16 Handles

Solomon Choi opened the first 16 Handles location in 2008 in Manhattan’s East VillageCredit: YouTube/16 Handles

The company’s name refers to the 16 rotating frozen yogurt flavors available at their locationsCredit: YouTube/16 Handles

“We are deeply saddened by the unexpected passing of 16 Handles’ founder and former CEO Solomon Choi,” Hershman said in a statement to Restaurant Business Online.

“He was a visionary who came to New York City in his 20s and founded this iconic frozen dessert brand.

“16 Handles is where I got my personal start in franchising and I owe so much …

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