Solomon Choi, the visionary entrepreneur behind the beloved self-serve frozen yogurt chain 16 Handles, has died at the age of 44.
In a March 2023 Instagram post, Choi disclosed that he had sold the business during the 2022 pandemic. Following news of his passing, Neil Hershman, the current owner and CEO of 16 Handles, expressed sorrow in a statement obtained by PEOPLE.
“We are deeply saddened by the unexpected passing of 16 Handles’ founder and former CEO Solomon Choi,” Hershman said. “He was a visionary who arrived in New York City in his twenties and established this iconic frozen dessert brand. Solomon embodied the mission of creating moments of happiness, both personally and professionally, always with a big smile and an optimistic outlook.”
Choi, scheduled to participate in a panel for QSR Summit’s “The Future of Digital Transformation in the Fast Casual & QSR Industry” on June 11, was identified as the CEO of Jabba Brands on his LinkedIn profile, with New York as his residence.
His obituary confirmed that Choi passed away on June 7, though the cause of death was not disclosed. Before launching 16 Handles, Choi earned a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business in 2002.
Choi is survived by his wife Hannah Chang-Choi, their children Jubilee (7) and Joshua (4), his parents, and two sisters. Described as a man of purpose and faith, Choi was actively involved in leading a Christian men’s group and was committed to inspiring those around him to reach their potential.
Services honoring Choi will be held at Promise Church on Saturday, June 14, at 5 p.m., according to his obituary, which also highlighted his enduring legacy of optimism, discipline, and devotion to his family.
