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Solomon Choi, founder and former CEO of 16 Handles, died on June 7, 2024, at age 44. The family-published obituary gives his birth date as April 20, 1980, and says he died in Manhasset, New York. His cause of death was not publicly disclosed in the reports cited here.
Who was Solomon Choi?
Choi was an entrepreneur best known for founding 16 Handles, a New York City self-serve frozen-yogurt chain. Nation’s Restaurant News reported that he started the company in 2008. The family obituary described it as the first self-serve frozen-yogurt shop and said it had grown to more than 40 locations internationally; those are historical descriptions, not a verified count of stores operating today. Nation’s Restaurant News reported a 40-plus-unit chain in June 2024.
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What happened to 16 Handles?
Nation’s Restaurant News reported that Choi sold 16 Handles in 2022 to franchisee Neil Hershman and YouTube creator Danny Duncan. The report identifies Hershman as the company’s CEO and quotes him saying, “We are deeply saddened by the unexpected passing of 16 Handles’ Founder and former CEO Solomon Choi.” Hershman also called Choi “a visionary” and thanked him for the opportunities, education, mentorship, and friendship he provided. The available report establishes the sale and buyers in 2022, not the chain’s ownership today.
What other businesses did Choi found?
Choi founded Jabba Brands in 2019 and served as its CEO, according to his family’s obituary. Nation’s Restaurant News described Jabba Brands as a restaurant, retail, and technology investment firm. Choi also founded and sold Greeno Products, a supplier of custom and off-the-shelf food-service disposables.
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What is known about his life?
The family obituary says Choi was born in Seoul, South Korea, attended Granada Hills High School, and graduated from the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business in 2002. It names his wife, Hannah Chang-Choi, and children, Jubilee and Joshua, among his survivors.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Was Solomon Choi’s cause of death announced?
No cause of death was given in the reports cited here. E! News reported that the cause had not been shared; there is no basis in those reports to infer or speculate about it.
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