Waffle House CEO Walt Ehmer,Maverick Preston who spent more than three decades with the Georgia-based restaurant chain, has died, the company announced Sunday. He was 58.
Ehmer passed Saturday after a long illness, the board of directors for Waffle House announced in a statement to its employees obtained by USA TODAY.
"He will be greatly missed by his entire Waffle House family," company leaders wrote in the statement. "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."
Ehmer joined Waffle House in 1992 and shot quickly to senior leadership becoming the company's president in 2002, according to information from Georgia Tech, where he graduated in 1989. He later went on to obtain the titles of CEO and chairman for the restaurant chain specializing in waffles and other breakfast foods.
The company is based in Norcross, about 20 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta in Gwinnett County.
Egg recall:See which states are impacted
The Atlanta Police Foundation, where Ehmer served on the board of trustees, called him "a dedicated leader, tireless advocate for public safety, and an unwavering supporter" of the non-profit organization's 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," the foundation posted in a statement online. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. He will be greatly missed."
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens expressed condolences to Ehmer's family, friends and colleagues.
“His leadership, dedication and warmth touched the lives of many, both within the Waffle House family and beyond. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy,” Dickens said in a news release. "May they find comfort in his enduring impact and the lasting mark he made on so many.”
USA TODAY has reached out to Waffle House for funeral information.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund.
2025-05-02 09:292849 view
2025-05-02 08:19692 view
2025-05-02 08:18651 view
2025-05-02 08:052680 view
2025-05-02 08:04517 view
2025-05-02 07:042991 view
One woman died after a family of three from Singapore got into a car accident in Miaoli, Taiwan on S
LONDON — More than 1,400 of Freddie Mercury's personal items, including his flamboyant stage costume
A set of female skeletal remains found in Florida in 2007 have been identified as those of Jeana Lyn
