Walt Ehmer, chairman and chief executive officer of Waffle House, has died at the age of 58. Ehmer has been with the chain for over 32 years, beginning in 1992 as a senior buyer. He worked his way up to vice president of purchasing, vice president of finance, and chief financial officer. In 2006, he was named president and chief operating officer.
Ehmer was named president and chief executive officer of the Norcross, Ga.-based chain in March 2012, according to his LinkedIn page. In October 2022, he added chairman to his duties.
According to the Associated Press, Ehmer died after a long illness. The Waffle House board of directors stated, “he will be greatly missed by his entire Waffle House family.”
In a statement released Sunday, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said, “I am saddened to learn of the passing of Walt Ehmer, the CEO of Waffle House and a proud Georgia Tech alumnus. 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 graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1989 and served as chair of the Georgia Tech Alumni Association from 2012 to 2013. Georgia Tech posted that Ehmer “remained a dear friend to the Institute throughout his career.”
Ehmer was also a member of the board of trustees for the Atlanta Police Foundation, which posted that he was “a dedicated leader, tireless advocate for public safety, and 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.”
Ehmer is survived by three children, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Waffle House has more than 1,900 locations in 25 states.
Contact Alicia Kelso at [email protected]
