Walt Ehmer, chairman and chief executive officer of Waffle House and a board member of the Atlanta Police Foundation, has died at the age of 58, Platform announced Sunday.
According to his alma mater, Georgia Tech University, Ehmer joined Waffle House in 1992 and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the company’s president in 2002, later adding the titles of CEO and chairman.
“His leadership, dedication and warmth touched the lives of many, both within the Waffle House family and beyond. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy,” Mayor Andre Dickens said in a press release.
The Waffle House board of directors announced Sunday afternoon that Ehmer had passed away after a long illness. “He will be deeply missed by the entire Waffle House family,” the statement said.
Ehmer was president of the Georgia Tech Alumni Association Board of Directors from 2012 to 2013 and serves on numerous organizations, including the Georgia Tech Foundation Board and the Georgia Tech Advisory Council.
The 24/7 restaurant chain Waffle House opened in 1955 and now has more than 1,900 locations in 25 states.
Ehmer is survived by three children, according to Atlanta Journal Constitution.
