Solomon Choi, the visionary founder of the popular soft-serve ice cream franchise 16 Handles, passed away at the age of 44 on June 7, leaving behind a legacy that transformed the frozen dessert industry.
Choi, who established the self-serve frozen yogurt concept in New York City in 2008, grew 16 Handles into a global brand with 40 locations before selling the franchise in 2022 to its largest franchiser, Neil Hershman.
The news of Choi’s unexpected death was met with deep sadness from the business community. Hershman expressed his sorrow, stating, ‘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.’
In addition to his entrepreneurial endeavors with 16 Handles, Choi also founded Greeno Products, a supplier of custom disposables for the food service industry. He further expanded his influence by starting Jabba Brands in 2019 to advise, invest, and operate food service companies.
Choi’s impact extended beyond the business world as he was an Angel Squad member at Hustle Fund, a venture capital firm investing in early-stage startups. His commitment to fostering happiness and positivity was evident in his personal and professional life, as noted by Hershman, who said, ‘Part of the mission statement for 16 Handles is to create moments of happiness, and Solomon truly embodied this in his personal and professional life, always sporting a big smile and optimistic outlook.’
Born in Seoul, South Korea, Choi later moved to the U.S. and graduated from the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business in 2002. At the time of his passing, he resided in Manhasset, New York, with his wife, Hannah Chang Choi, whom he met in 2015 at a 16 Handles location on the Upper West Side.
Choi is survived by his wife, two young children, parents, and two sisters. His untimely death has left a void in the industry and among those who knew and worked with him.
16 Handles, the brand Choi nurtured and expanded, will continue to serve as a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to spreading joy through frozen treats.
