Walt Ehmer, the longtime president and CEO of Waffle House, passed away on Friday, Sept. 6, following his battle with a long illness. He was 58 years old.
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According to AP News, Ehmer joined Waffle House in 1992 and 10 years later, he was president of the company. He became CEO in 2012 and was also a chairman.
Atlanta Police Foundation, which Walt Ehmer was a board of trustees member of, announced the unfortunate passing of the Waffle House CEO’s death.
“Walt was a dedicated leader, tireless advocate for public safety, and an unwavering supporter of our mission to build a safer, stronger Atlanta,” the organization shared in a Facebook post. “His passion for community service and steadfast commitment to improving the lives of others will leave a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. He will be greatly missed.”
Mayor of Atlanta, Andre Dickens, honored Ehmer by stating, “His leadership, dedication and warmth touched the lives of many, both within the Waffle House family and beyond. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy. My thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time. May they find comfort in his enduring impact and the lasting mark he made on so many.”
Along with Waffle House and the Atlanta Police Foundation, Walt Ehmer served numerous organizations, including the Georgia Tech Foundation Board and the Georgia Tech Advisory Board. He was also chair of the Georgia Tech Alumni Association Board of Trustees from 2012 to 2013.
Ehmer is survived by three children.
The Waffle House offers around-the-clock diners. The famous restaurant chain opened in 1955 and now has more than 1,900 locations in 25 states.
Waffle House Issues Statement About Walt Ehmer’s Death
In a statement to FOX Business, Waffle House spoke out about the death of its long-time CEO, Walt Ehmer.
“He will be greatly missed by his entire Waffle House family,” Waffle House said in a statement. “We will share more details in the coming days, including highlights of Walt’s 30+ year career at Waffle House. For now, we know all of you join us in extending our deepest condolences to Walt’s family. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
During an interview with Georgia Tech, Ehmer explained that his dedication to his alma mater is rooted in three things: the admirable people he’s met through Georgia Tech, the impact Tech’s teachings have had on his own life, and the opportunity to share the tradition of Georgia Tech with his family.
He also revealed that his family has strong Georgia Tech ties.
“It’s a tremendous source of pride for us. It’s another derivative—to use a GT word—of something we can all share and love, our pride for Georgia Tech,” he stated at the time.
He then said that Georgia Tech taught him the value of hard work and how to solve difficult problems. “I got my first job opportunity and my 31-plus-year career at Waffle House because of the relationships I made at Tech. My entire life is related to Tech in some way.”
“Georgia Tech is an incredible school,” he added. “But what is even more valuable and powerful than a degree is the network of ‘good people’ associated with Tech who help you on your pathway of life.”