Walt Ehmer, the president and CEO of Waffle House, passed away at the age of 58. Ehmer, a long-time leader at the iconic restaurant chain, joined Waffle House in 1992 and quickly rose through the ranks. He became president in 2002 and later took on the titles of CEO and chairman.
The Waffle House Board of Directors announced Ehmer’s passing on Sunday, attributing it to a long illness. The statement expressed profound grief, stating that Ehmer would be deeply missed by the entire Waffle House family.
Beyond his leadership at Waffle House, Ehmer was also a prominent figure in the Georgia Tech community. He served as chair of the Georgia Tech Alumni Association Board of Trustees from 2012 to 2013 and was actively involved with several organizations including the Georgia Tech Foundation Board and the Georgia Tech Advisory Board.
Waffle House, established in 1955, has become a beloved American institution, operating over 1,900 locations across 25 states. The chain is known for its 24/7 service and its iconic yellow and red signage. The restaurant has also gained cultural significance, often serving as a meeting point for notable events. President Joe Biden famously visited a Waffle House in the Atlanta area after a CNN debate, and the chain has even been cited as a birthplace for successful business ideas. Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian once remarked that the inception of Nvidia Corp at Denny’s, which led to a trillion-dollar company, surpassed his own billion-dollar Reddit launch at Waffle House.
Ehmer’s passing marks the loss of a dedicated leader and a significant figure in the Waffle House story. He will be remembered for his contributions to the company’s success and his commitment to the communities it serves.
