Waffle House CEO Dies After Battle With 'Long Illness,' Board Says

ATLANTA, GA — Walt Ehmer, Waffle House's chief executive officer and president, has died at age 58, the Atlanta Police Foundation said Saturday.

Waffle House's Board of Directors notified employees Saturday in a memo obtained by Patch. In the memo, the board said Ehmer died after a battle with an unknown "long illness."

"He will be greatly missed by his entire Waffle House family. We will share more details in the coming days, including highlights of Walt’s 30-(plus) year career at Waffle House. For now, we know all of you join us in extending our deepest condolences to Walt’s family. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time," the board said.

Ehmer was a member of the Atlanta Police Foundation's Board of Trustees. The foundation said Ehmer was a dedicated leader and advocate for public safety.

He was "an unwavering supporter of our mission to build a safer, stronger Atlanta. His passion for community service and 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," the foundation said in a Facebook post.

According to the Georgia Institute of Technology, Ehmer's alma mater, he first began working at Waffle House in 1992 and became president of the popular fast-food chain in 2006.

Six years later, he was named Waffle House's CEO before filling the role of chairman in 2022, Georgia Tech said.

Gov. Brian Kemp tweeted he and his family were saddened to learn of Ehmer's death.

"His years of leadership and dedication not just to Waffle House, but to the communities they served during times of calm and times of devastating crisis, will be remembered by all those who were touched by his generosity," Kemp tweeted. "The Ehmer family, the Waffle House community, and all those who loved Walt are in our prayers as they navigate this difficult time."

The former Yellow Jacket graduated from Georgia Tech in 1989, earning a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering. While a student, he was president of Alpha Tau Omega, the college said.

"Ehmer was admired for embodying Waffle House’s unique down-to-earth style of leadership and for his commitment to the community. Rather than lead from an office, he preferred to visit Waffle House restaurants—greeting patrons and associates with a handshake and smile—to learn first-hand what issues were happening on the ground," Georgia Tech said.

As an alumnus, Ehmer served on the Georgia Tech Foundation Board of Trustees, the Georgia Tech Advisory Board, ISyE Advisory Board and the steering committee for Transforming Tomorrow, Georgia Tech said.

From 2012-13, he was the Georgia Tech Alumni Association Board chairperson and was the chair for his class' 25th Reunion Committee. He received recognition in 2006 from the Georgia Tech College of Engineering for being a Distinguished Alumnus, Georgia Tech said.

In 2024, Ehmer acquired the Joseph Mayo Pettit Alumni Distinguished Service Award at Georgia Tech's Gold and White Honors Gala.

“I’m a product of our culture at Waffle House and that’s to lead from the front,” Ehmer said in a past Georgia Tech news release announcing his receiving the award.

While in Atlanta, Ehmer served on charitable and civic boards Aaron’s, the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Foundation, the Atlanta Police Foundation and the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Tech said.

"I am saddened to learn of the passing of Walt Ehmer, the CEO of Waffle House and a proud Georgia Tech alumnus," Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said in a statement. "His leadership, dedication and warmth touched the lives of many, both within the Waffle House family and beyond. 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 leaves behind his wife, Kara, whom he met through Georgia Tech, and three children, who all attended Georgia Tech, the college said.

Waffle House was founded in 1955 by Joe Rogers Sr. and Tom Forkner in Avondale Estates, according to the eatery's website. Open around-the-clock, Waffle House currently has at least 1,900 locations in 25 states. Its headquarters sits at Financial in Norcross.