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Waffle House CEO Walt Emmer said operators are “making on-the-ground decisions” about whether it’s safe to open during a hurricane.
Waffle House CEO and president Walt Emmer has died at age 58, the Atlanta Police Foundation announced Sunday.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Walt Emmer, president and CEO of Waffle House and beloved member of the Atlanta Police Foundation Board of Directors,” the foundation said in a Facebook post.
The foundation described Emmer as a “committed leader,” a “passionate advocate for public safety” and an “unwavering supporter of our mission to build a safer and stronger Atlanta.”
“His passion for community service and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others will have a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time. He will be greatly missed,” the foundation said.
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Waffle House President and CEO Walt Emmer speaks at a press conference. Emmer passed away at age 58 after a long illness. (Jason Davis/Getty Images/Getty Images)
Waffle House told Fox Business that Emmer died “after a long illness.”
“He will be greatly missed by the entire Waffle House family,” Waffle House said in a statement. “We will have more details to share in the coming days, including highlights from his 30-plus year career with Waffle House. For now, we know you will join us in sending our deepest condolences to Walt’s family and please keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
No. 43 Waffle House Ford driver Aric Almirola, team owner Richard Petty and Waffle House CEO Walt Emmer make waffles before the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway on August 20, 2016 in Bristol. (Rainier Earhart/NASCAR via Getty Images/Getty Images)
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said he was “saddened to learn” of Emmer’s death.
“His leadership, dedication and warmth touched so many lives both within and outside the Waffle House family. He leaves behind an incredible legacy,” Dickens said. News Release“My thoughts go out to his family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time, and I hope they can find solace in his lasting impact and the everlasting mark he left on so many.”
According to the Georgia Tech Alumni Association, Emmer joined Waffle House in 1992 and rose through the ranks to senior management positions before becoming the company’s president in 2006.
He served as chairman of the Georgia Tech Alumni Association Board of Directors from 2012-2013 and also served on the Georgia Tech Foundation Board of Trustees and the Georgia Tech Advisory Council.
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Emmer is survived by his three children, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
