AVONDALE ESTATES, Georgia — Georgia's Waffle House chain is mourning the loss of its CEO on Sunday, according to a statement from Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens.
According to the statement, Waffle House CEO Walt Ehmer, who is also a proud Georgia Tech alumnus, has died. Dickens did not offer any information on how Ehmer passed or whether any community celebrations of life would be expected.
"His leadership, dedication and warmth touched the lives of many, both within the Waffle House family and beyond," Dickens said. "He leaves behind a remarkable legacy. My thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time. May they find comfort in his enduring impact and the lasting mark he made on so many."
Ehmer, who joined the company in 1992, became president in 2006, CEO in 2012, and chairman in 2022, he said in an interview with Georgia Tech's alumni association. He emphasized building relationships and serving others throughout his career.
According to that same interview, Elmer was also a member of many local boards in the city, including Aaron’s, the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Foundation, the Atlanta Police Foundation, and the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce.