Waffle House President and CEO, Walt Ehmer, Dies at 58

Waffle House has confirmed the passing of its President and CEO, Walt Ehmer, at the age of 58. In a statement, the company shared that Ehmer passed away on Friday after a long illness. Ehmer had been with Waffle House for 32 years, serving as a key leader who shaped the company’s growth and culture. “Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time,” the company said.

Ehmer began his career at Waffle House in 1992, rapidly advancing to senior leadership. He became President in 2006, CEO in 2012, and Chairman in 2022. Known for his hands-on leadership style, Ehmer often said, “Lead from the front,” spending more time in the 24-hour diner than behind a desk.

Waffle House was founded in Avondale Estates, Georgia, in 1955 by Joe Rogers Sr. and Tom Forkner. Today, the iconic chain boasts over 1,900 locations across 25 states, employing more than 40,000 people. Its corporate offices are in Norcross, Georgia.

A proud Georgia Tech alumnus and lifelong Yellow Jacket, Ehmer was a trustee of the Georgia Tech Foundation. He also served on the boards of the Atlanta Police Foundation, the Metro Atlanta Chamber, and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Ehmer is survived by his three children, all of whom followed in their father’s footsteps by attending Georgia Tech.