Walt Ehmer, the president and CEO of Waffle House has died, the company confirmed Sunday.
Ehmer, 58, died Friday following a long illness, Waffle House wrote in a statement. The company said it would share more details in the coming days and that he would be “greatly missed.”
“For now, we know all of you join us in extending our deepest condolences to Walt’s family,” Waffle House stated. “Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
For more than 30 years, Ehmer was a product of the culture at Waffle House, which was to “lead from the front,” he previously said. That meant he often spent more time in a Waffle House than in his office. Having joined the company in 1992, Ehmer quickly rose to senior leadership and assumed the role of president in 2006, CEO in 2012, and chairman in 2022.
Waffle House was founded in Avondale Estates, Georgia, in 1955 by Joe Rogers Sr. and Tom Forkner. Their 24-7 diner became a hit and its iconic yellow sign now shines above more than 1,900 locations in 25 states, the company says, with more than 40,000 employees. It’s corporate offices are located in Norcross.
“Through his work ethic, commitment to his teams, and firm belief in good corporate citizenship, Walt embodied the Georgia Way of doing business,” wrote President and CEO of the Georgia Chamber Chris Clark.
“Walt’s leadership extended beyond the walls of Waffle House, and he inspired generations of civic and business leaders across the country,” he continued.
Ehmer is survived by three children, who all went to Georgia Tech like their father. The lifelong Yellow Jacket was a trustee of the Georgia Tech Foundation and served on the boards of the Atlanta Police Foundation, the Metro Atlanta Chamber and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. In 2020, he was also one of many top U.S. executives that the White House consulted with about how to reopen the economy during the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic.
“Walt was a dedicated leader, tireless advocate for public safety, and an unwavering supporter of our mission to build a safer, stronger Atlanta,” the Atlanta Police Foundation wrote on Facebook. “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.”
Metro Atlanta Chamber CEO Katie Kirkpatrick said Ehmer’s influence extended far beyond his role at Waffle House.
“Walt had a great smile and laugh, and was so proud to work for Waffle House, that ‘unique American phenomenon,’” she said. “Walt may not have recognized it but he was a role model to so many in the business world.”
Georgia Insurance & Safety Fire Commissioner John King said he was “saddened” to hear about Ehmer’s death, and that his prayers are with his family, friends and loved ones.
U.S. Rep. Nikema Williams wrote that Ehmer’s “commitment to our communities and the opportunities he created will never be forgotten.”
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, who is a fellow Georgia Tech alum, said he was saddened to learn of Ehmer’s passing.
“His leadership, dedication and warmth touched the lives of many, both within the Waffle House family and beyond,” Dickens said. “He leaves behind a remarkable legacy.”
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