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

The Atlanta Police Foundation recently confirmed the passing of Walt Ehmer, the president and CEO of Waffle House, at the age of 58. The foundation shared the news on September 8, expressing profound sorrow over his death.

In a statement posted on social media, the foundation reflected on Ehmer’s unwavering commitment to public safety and his influential role on the Board of Trustees. They described him as a tireless advocate for the community whose passion for service had an indelible impact on those fortunate enough to know him. The foundation extended their condolences to Ehmer’s loved ones, noting how deeply he will be missed.

Ehmer’s career with Waffle House began in 1992, eventually leading to his appointment as president in 2006 and CEO in 2012, as reported by his alma mater, Georgia Tech University. The Waffle House board released a statement confirming his passing after a prolonged illness, highlighting the profound sense of loss felt by the entire Waffle House community. They promised to share more about his 30-year career with the company in the days to come while asking for continued thoughts and prayers for his family.

Georgia Tech Alumni Association also paid tribute to Ehmer, who passed on September 6. The association emphasized his lifelong dedication to service, both through his work at Waffle House and his broader contributions to the community. Known for his approachable leadership style, Ehmer often visited Waffle House locations to personally engage with customers and employees, preferring to be on the front lines rather than behind a desk.

In addition to his role at Waffle House, Ehmer served on the boards of several organizations, including Aaron’s, the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Foundation, and the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce.

Ehmer is survived by his wife, Kara, and their three children, Gregory, Anna, and Lesley, all of whom graduated from Georgia Tech.

Waffle House, known for being open around the clock, typically only closes during severe weather events. Earlier this year, Ehmer received recognition from Georgia Tech’s alumni association and spoke about the restaurant’s commitment to 24-hour service, stating that leading from the front was a core value instilled in him during his years with the company.

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