Walt Ehmer, the esteemed president and CEO of Waffle House and a distinguished member of the board of trustees for the Atlanta Police Foundation, passed away at the age of 58, as announced by the foundation on Sunday.
Walt Ehmer started his journey with Waffle House in 1992 and swiftly climbed the ranks to assume senior leadership positions. He became the president of the company in 2002 and eventually took on the roles of CEO and chairman. These achievements reflect his exceptional dedication and expertise, as highlighted by Georgia Tech University, his alma mater.
The profound impact of Walt Ehmer’s leadership, unwavering commitment, and genuine warmth extended beyond the Waffle House family, deeply touching the lives of many. In a press release, Mayor Andre Dickens emphasized the remarkable legacy that he leaves behind.
The board of directors for Waffle House released a statement on Sunday afternoon, conveying the sad news of Walt Ehmer’s passing after a prolonged illness. The statement expressed the immense loss felt by the entire Waffle House family.
Walt Ehmer’s contributions extended beyond his role at Waffle House. He served as the chair of the Georgia Tech Alumni Association Board of Trustees from 2012 to 2013 and actively participated in various organizations such as the Georgia Tech Foundation Board and the Georgia Tech Advisory Board.
Famed for its round-the-clock service, the Waffle House chain has been serving customers since its establishment in 1955. Today, it proudly operates more than 1,900 locations across 25 states.
Walt Ehmer is survived by his three children, as reported by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.