ATLANTA (AP) — Walt Ehmer, president and CEO of Waffle House and a member of the Atlanta Police Foundation board of trustees, has died at age 58. Founding announced Sunday.

Ehmer joined Waffle House in 1992 and quickly rose to the top levels of leadership, becoming the company’s president in 2002 and later taking on the additional titles of CEO and chairman, according to information from his alma mater, Georgia Tech.

“His leadership, dedication and warmth touched the lives of many, both within the Waffle House family and beyond. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy,” Mayor Andre Dickens said in a press release.

Waffle House’s board of directors issued a statement Sunday afternoon saying Ehmer died after a long illness. “He will be greatly missed by his entire Waffle House family,” the statement said.

Ehmer served as chair of the Georgia Tech Alumni Association Board of Trustees from 2012 to 2013 and has served on numerous organizations, including the Georgia Tech Foundation Board and the Georgia Tech Advisory Board.

The Waffle House chain of 24-hour restaurants opened in 1955 and now has more than 1,900 locations in 25 states.

Ehmer leaves behind three children, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

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This story was first published on September 8, 2024. It was updated on September 9, 2024 to correct the name of Waffle House CEO Walt Ehmer’s alma mater. It is Georgia Tech, not Georgia Tech University.