Solomon Choi was a highly respected businessman and entrepreneur, who was renowned for his success in the food, beverage, and hospitality industries.
His passing on Friday, June 7, 2024, has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and the businesses he founded, including the famous 16 Handles, New York City’s first self-serve frozen yogurt restaurant chain.
Born on April 20, 1980, in Seoul, South Korea, Choi’s journey to success began at Granada Hills High School in Los Angeles.
He went on to graduate from the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business in 2002. From there, he held positions at Todai Seafood Buffet and Rich Hospitality Investments, Inc.,
before co-founding Greeno Products in 2008, focusing on environmentally friendly paper cups and containers for various food establishments.
Choi was not only a successful entrepreneur but also a savvy investor in several companies, including Bikky, Hyphen Capital, Fourtop, JUICER, and more.
He served as an advisor and board member for various companies in the hospitality industry, showcasing his expertise and commitment to the sector.
However, Choi’s most notable achievement was the founding of 16 Handles in 2008, which grew to become an iconic frozen yogurt brand with over 40 locations worldwide by 2024.
Following the sale of 16 Handles in 2022, Choi remained involved as a part-time advisor while also founding Jabba Brands, a company that advises, invests in, and operates businesses in the food and beverage industry.
A multilingual individual, fluent in English, Korean, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese, Choi was actively involved in numerous organizations and boards, showcasing his dedication to both his professional and personal life.
He led a Christian men’s group, enjoyed spending time with loved ones, and had a passion for running, cycling, and traveling.
Choi’s sudden passing on June 7, 2024, has brought immense sadness to those who knew him.
As his colleagues and friends mourned his loss, they remembered him as a visionary and a beacon of positivity, dedicated to creating moments of happiness in both his personal and professional endeavors.
Survived by his wife, Hannah, and their two children, Jubilee and Joshua, Solomon Choi leaves behind a legacy of innovation, entrepreneurship, and unwavering optimism.
His funeral services will be held on Friday, June 14, at Promise Church in Flushing, New York, followed by burial services at Pinelawn Cemetery on Saturday, June 15.
