Waffle House CEO Has Passed Away at 58

Walt Ehmer, CEO and president of Waffle House, has died at age 58.

At a Glance

Walt Ehmer, president and CEO of Waffle House, has died at age 58.
Ehmer passed away after a long-term unspecified illness.
Ehmer joined Waffle House in 1992 and rose through the ranks to become CEO in 2012.
He was deeply involved in community service, including work with the Atlanta Police Foundation and Georgia Tech.
Condolences have poured in from various quarters, praising his leadership and dedication.

Walt Ehmer’s Career

Walt Ehmer began his journey with Waffle House in 1992 as a senior buyer after working as a sales engineer. Over the next decade, he climbed the corporate ladder, becoming vice president of finance in 1998 and chief financial officer in 2001. His commitment and leadership were recognized when he was appointed president in 2006 and later added the roles of CEO and chairman by 2012.

When speaking in an interview about his approach to leadership in 2020, he said he could easily spend his day in the office “and send a memo out, send out a video, but is that what the business needs? We have 45,000 employees — that’s over 2 million shifts a year that have to be staffed, have to be managed, where we have to treat customers right.”

Under Ehmer’s stewardship, Waffle House expanded to over 1,900 locations across 25 states, according to the company’s website. Ehmer’s influence was evident during the 2020 health emergency when he took a pay cut to ensure the company’s stability.

Walt Ehmer, the president and CEO of Waffle House, has died at age 58.

https://t.co/BmRHNBy9Mi

— CBS News (@CBSNews) September 9, 2024

Community Involvement and Legacy

Ehmer’s commitment extended beyond the walls of Waffle House. He served on the board of trustees for the Atlanta Police Foundation, where he was a tireless advocate for public safety. His involvement with Georgia Tech, particularly as chair of the Alumni Association Board of Trustees, further underscored his dedication to community service.

“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 stated in a news release.

Ehmer was praised for his response to the 2018 shooting at a Tennessee Waffle House, showing empathy and resilience in a time of crisis. His hands-on leadership style meant he was a familiar face in the company’s restaurants, connecting with employees and customers alike.

Tributes and Condolences

The news of Ehmer’s passing prompted an outpouring of condolences from various sectors. Georgia Congresswoman Nikema Williams, for instance, expressed her sympathy on X, saying, “His commitment to our communities and the opportunities he created will never be forgotten.”

Deeply saddened by the passing of Waffle House CEO Walt Ehmer. His commitment to our communities and the opportunities he created will never be forgotten.

Sending heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire Waffle House team during this difficult time.

— Congresswoman Nikema Williams (@RepNikema) September 8, 2024

The company’s board of directors and the Atlanta Police Foundation also praised his dedication to public safety and community service. “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Walt Ehmer, the president and CEO of Waffle House and a beloved member of the Atlanta Police Foundation’s Board of Trustees,” the foundation posted on Facebook.

Ehmer is survived by his three children and leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond his contributions to Waffle House.