Friend of Solomon Choi Remembers the 16 Handles Founder After His Death (Exclusive) [Video]

Solomon Choi’s loved ones say he was someone who lived life to the fullest. 

The founder of the popular frozen yogurt chain 16 Handles died at the age of 44 on June 7. A cause of death was not given.

His friend, Pedram Hendizadeh, who spoke at Choi’s funeral, tells PEOPLE that Choi was the epitome of success and drive. The Seoul, South Korea-born entrepreneur attended the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business. After growing 16 Handles, Choi sold the company during the pandemic in 2022. More recently he was the CEO of Jabba Brands.

“He left California to come to New York and he said, ‘If I can make it there, I can make it anywhere.’ It’s just like the song. And he started really with nothing and he came from nothing,” says Hendizadeh, a podiatric surgeon in New York.

Hendizadeh met Choi in 2015 …