16 Handles frozen yogurt founder Solomon Choi dies suddenly aged 44

An entrepreneur who founded a self-serve frozen yogurt chain has died at the age of 44. 

Solomon Choi founded the 16 Handles franchise which grew to 40 locations internationally before he sold the business in 2022 during the pandemic. 

No cause of death was listed for Choi in his obituary who died on Friday, with his death being announced by Neil Hershman, who bought his yogurt business. 

Hershman said in a statement: 'We are deeply saddened by the unexpected passing of 16 Handles' founder and former CEO Solomon Choi.

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

Solomon Choi founded the 16 Handles franchise which grew to 40 locations internationally before he sold the business in 2022 during the pandemic

Hershman continued: 'Part of the mission statement for 16 Handles is to 'create moments of happiness.

'Our hearts go out to his family, friends and all those who loved him and worked with him during this incredibly difficult time.'

Choi is survived by his wife Hannah and their two children, seven-year-old Jubilee and four-year-old Joshua. 

The couple met in 205 and were engaged shortly after meeting one another inside a 16 Handles location in Manhattan, New York. 

Born in Seoul, South Korea, Choi moved to the US in the early 2000s where his interest in frozen yogurt grew. 

In 2008, he founded 16 Handles in Manhattan's East Village, with the name referring to the 16 rotating flavors available at any time. 

In 2019, he founded Jabba Brands to 'advise, invest and operate companies that improve the way people eat, drink and live harmoniously'. 

Choi is survived by his wife Hannah and their two children, seven-year-old Jubilee and four-year-old Joshua

In 2008, he founded 16 Handles in Manhattan's East Village, with the name referring to the 16 rotating flavors available at any time

He had been scheduled to appear on a panel on Tuesday about the future of digital transformation in the limited-service segment, according to his LinkedIn. 

His obituary said: 'Solomon was an outstanding example of a man driven by his purpose and faith in God and passionate about sharing the love of Christ with others. 

'He led a Christian men's group and was committed to supporting and challenging those around him to be the best versions of themselves.

His loved ones said his 'legacy will live on forever,' and made note of his 'relentless optimism, his discipline & fearlessness, and his Michael Jackson dance moves.'