Waffle House President and CEO Walt Ehmer Dead at 58

Walt Ehmer, the president and CEO of Waffle House, has passed away, the Atlanta Police Foundation announced "with deep sadness" on Sunday, Sept. 9. He was only 58.

Ehmer also served as a member of the foundation's Board of Trustees. While announcing his death, they called him a "dedicated leader, tireless advocate for public safety, and an unwavering supporter of our mission to build a safer, stronger Atlanta," noting that 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."

According to the Associated Press, Ehmer joined the beloved breakfast chain in 1992, ascending the ladder to senior leadership quickly. By 2002 he was president, and later took on the role of CEO and chairman, too.

Fans of the southern staple—and its place in internet culture—"pour[ed] some syrup out for the homie" in honor of Ehmer and the "lawless breakfast spots" he pioneered for the last several decades, with one joking, "In his honor, I hope the staff fights anybody who looks at them crazy."

Others planned to visit their local establishments to pay their respects, with one writing, "let me go get an all star special this morning."

After news of Ehmer's passing broke, the board of directors for Waffle House revealed that it followed a long, unspecified illness, according to the publication. “He will be greatly missed by his entire Waffle House family,” they added. He is also survived by three children.

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