Waffle House CEO Walt Ehmer dies at age 58: ‘Dedicated leader’
Waffle House president and CEO Walt Ehmer has died at 58, the Atlanta Police Foundation announced on Sunday.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Walt Ehmer, president and CEO of Waffle House and a beloved member of the Atlanta Police Foundation’s Board of Trustees,” the foundation posted on Facebook on Sept. 8.
“Walt was a dedicated leader, tireless advocate for public safety, and an unwavering supporter of our mission to build a safer, stronger Atlanta. 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.”
Ehmer, who was a member of the board of trustees at the police foundation, first joined Waffle House in 1992 before becoming president in 2006 and CEO in 2012, according to his alma mater, Georgia Tech University.
The Waffle House board of directors issued a statement on Sept. 8 saying Ehmer died after a “long illness.”
“He will be greatly missed by his entire Waffle House family,” reads the statement obtained by TODAY.com. “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.”
The Georgia Tech Alumni Association also shared a remembrance of Ehmer, who died on Sept. 6, according to the association.
“Walt Ehmer will be remembered for a lifetime of service, both through his career at Waffle House and to the community at large,” the organization wrote.
“Ehmer was admired for embodying Waffle House’s unique down-to-earth style of leadership and for his commitment to the community,” the statement continued. “Rather than lead from an office, he preferred to visit Waffle House restaurants — greeting patrons and associates with a handshake and smile — to learn first-hand what issues were happening on the ground.”
Atlanta mayor Andre Dickens issued a statement mourning Ehmer’s loss.
“I am saddened to learn of the passing of Walt Ehmer, the CEO of Waffle House and a proud Georgia Tech alumnus,” Dickens said. “His leadership, dedication and warmth touched the lives of many, both within the Waffle House family and beyond. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy.”
Ehmer also served on the boards of Aaron’s, the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Foundation, and the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, according to Georgia Tech.
He is survived by his wife, Kara, and children Gregory, Anna and Lesley, who all graduated from Georgia Tech, per the alumni association.
Waffle House diners are famously open 24 hours and usually only close for catastrophic weather events. The severity of an oncoming hurricane or storm in the South is often informally determined by whether Waffle House is closing locations for safety reasons.
Ehmer spoke about the chain’s 24-hour service earlier this year while receiving an award from Georgia Tech’s alumni association.
“I’m a product of our culture at Waffle House and that’s to lead from the front,” he said.
This article was originally published on TODAY.com
