Walter G. “Walt” Ehmer, president and CEO of Waffle House, has died at age 58, the Atlanta Police Foundation announced.
He served on the foundation’s board of directors and has run the Atlanta-based breakfast chain since 2012.
“Walt was a dedicated leader, a tireless advocate for public safety and an unwavering supporter of our mission to build a safer and stronger Atlanta,” according to a statement from the police foundation.
The statement continued: “His passion for community service and his 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.”
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens also issued a statement following his death.
Waffle House CEO Walter G. “Walt” Ehmer passed away Sunday at the age of 58.
“I am saddened to learn of the passing of Walt Ehmer, CEO of Waffle House and proud Georgia Tech alumnus. His leadership, dedication and warmth touched the lives of many people, both within the Waffle House family and beyond,” said Mayor Dickens.
“He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy. My thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time. I hope they find comfort in his lasting impact and the lasting mark he left on so many people.”
The circumstances of Ehmer’s death have not yet been made public.
Ehmer joined Waffle House in 1992 before quickly rising to senior management within the company, according to an interview he did this year with the Georgia Tech Alumni Association after winning the Joseph Mayo Pettit Alumni Distinguished Service Award.
The award honors alumni who have provided outstanding support to the Georgia Tech community and have become leaders in their careers.
Ehmer became president of Waffle House in 2022 and led the chain through the COVID-19 pandemic, an incredibly difficult time for restaurants large and small.
According to that same interview, he became president of Waffle House in 2006 and six years later rose to the position of CEO. He was named chairman of the board in 2022.
He also briefly described his leadership style, which took him to Waffle House restaurants more often than his office.
“I’m a product of our culture at Waffle House and that’s leading from the front,” he said.
Ehmer’s philosophy was put to the test during the COVID-19 pandemic, when lockdowns were destroying the revenues of restaurants large and small.
In response, Ehmer cut his own salary in half along with the rest of senior management to keep Waffle House afloat. Business information reported.
“The stimulus helped a lot of restaurants and, more importantly, a lot of people early on,” Ehmer said in November 2020. “But what can’t be appreciated enough is the peace of mind and security for someone of having a job they can count on.”
He has been described as an active member of the Atlanta community, serving on the boards of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, the city’s police foundation and Metro Atlanta Commerce.
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