Walt Ehmer, Waffle House President And CEO, Dead At 58

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rembrandt

Recycles dryer sheets
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Jessica Bennett
Mon, September 9, 2024 at 12:24 PM EDT
2 min read


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Walt Ehmer, the CEO and President of Waffle House, has died at the age of 58 after succumbing to an unspecified illness, according to a statement from the restaurant chain.
“It is with sadness that we inform you that our Chairman, Walt Ehmer, passed away today following a long illness. He will be greatly missed by his entire Waffle House family,” reads a statement obtained by Atlanta News First. “We will share more details in the coming days, including highlights of Walt’s 30+ year career at Waffle House. For now, we know all of you join us in extending our deepest condolences to Walt’s family. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
Ehmer was also on the board of trustees for the Atlanta Police Foundation, which announced his death Saturday (Sept. 7).
 
Sad to hear it. Not a fan of their waffles, but great southern style service.
 
Sorry to hear someone going so early... but it did say a long illness...

I do not think I have ever been in a Waffle House.... my DD said she would not go for some reason...

How are they? There is one close to me so might give it a try...

Anybody know if they have senior discounts?
 
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58 is too young.

I try to go to one for breakfast anytime I'm in an area where they have them. None in NJ where I am. Might have done lunch there once. Simple griddle food served with a smile. People like to rag on the waffle house, I love it.

If so inclined search the youtube for anthony bordaine at waffle house. Its epic.
 
Unfortunate that is is quite young for these days.

Did he perhaps consume too many waffles or other items from their menu? (Not supposed to be funny) Seriously, high carb, high fat, sodium etc. Not much on their menu looks that healthy. Personally I have never eaten there.
 
ShokWaveRider said:
Unfortunate that is is quite young for these days.

Did he perhaps consume too many waffles or other items from their menu? (Not supposed to be funny) Seriously, high carb, high fat, sodium etc. Not much on their menu looks that healthy. Personally I have never eaten there.
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It's simple, honest, diner-style comfort food. It's also popular with people on a budget, such as many older folks. While it's anyone's guess what Walt Ehmer's diet consisted of, I would like to believe people who have found comfort in the reasonably priced food and friendly service at a Waffle House have benefited in some way.
 
I am entirely unfamiliar with Waffle House. I just looked on the map and it appears it would take me nearly 4 hours to drive to the nearest one in Pennsylvania. Condolences to his family; he left them way too early.
 
A press release described the cause as “a lengthy illness”. This often means cancer.

I remember hearing about FEMA the “Waffle House Index”. It began in 2011, and is used to assess damage after a bad storm. It basically looks at the local Waffle Houses and checks to see if they are fully open, open with limited service, or not open, and uses that as input. It’s a serious measure and must have made the Waffle House management proud.
 
Texas Proud said:
How are they? There is one close to me so might give it a try...
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I've been to one once many years ago in Delaware. I made it clear that whatever I ate MUST be gluten-free and she suggested an omelet. Made me sick as a dog and we had to extend the hotel stay a couple of days for me to recover. I haven't set foot in a Waffle House since. I'll simply go hungry rather than eat there again.
 
Very sad news. Yes, too early.

A great leader. A great company.

We are Waffle House loyalists....Her Majesty and I have been splitting the "All Star" for the past 35 years.....Great, food, prices and the friendliest wait staff in the world.
 
After several actual disturbances at Waffle Houses went viral, SNL had the following skit:

 
Last time I was in a Waffle House I wasn't surprised that the "maple syrup" was corn syrup, but I was put off that the butter wasn't real either.
 
Fielding said:
Last time I was in a Waffle House I wasn't surprised that the "maple syrup" was corn syrup, but I was put off that the butter wasn't real either.
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I see there are no locations in Wisconsin (the Dairy State). I always found real butter at places in WI (may not be that way today, I don't know).
 
We live in Duluth, GA just 7 miles up the road from Waffle House Hq in Norcross. There are many locations within a mile or two of our house so Waffle House is a staple for us as well. Two Egg Breakfast for me but ham and cheese omelet for DGF thank you very much.
 
My condolences to his family.

I have been to Waffle Houses although not recently.
 
We haven't been to WH since moving to the Islands, but DW used to just LOVE their strawberry roll-up (sausage rolled up in a pancake topped with strawberries and whipped cream and I think she added strawberry jam instead of strawberry syrup.)

Great prices, good service, never a bad meal. Not always the highest class clientele (heh, heh, including us) but friendly.

I was 58 when I retired. Too early to pass on IMHO. RIP
 
Fielding said:
Last time I was in a Waffle House I wasn't surprised that the "maple syrup" was corn syrup, but I was put off that the butter wasn't real either.
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Picky picky. Ha ha. Seriously, I prefer real food, too. WH does not pretend to be anything it's not, and that's why I admire them, not for the quality of the food. It's cheap, diner-style food that the masses can afford. I haven't been to a WH in a few years, but a 2-egg breakfast with toast and hashbrowns or grits was something like five bucks. Okay, after I typed that sentence I had to Google it, and the first result I found shows a menu listing $6.25.

I'm sure many of us who enjoy breakfasts/brunches have a place that serves organic oatmeal, heritage breed bacon, real maple syrup, locally raised blah blah blah ... at accordingly eye-watering prices. Nobody confuses those places with WH.
 
Gumby said:
I am entirely unfamiliar with Waffle House. I just looked on the map and it appears it would take me nearly 4 hours to drive to the nearest one in Pennsylvania. Condolences to his family; he left them way too early.
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They are on every corner in North Florida.

Mike
 
There's one about two miles from me that has been here for roughly 30 years. It's always packed. I've been there for breakfast and it's always great. Plus, some of the wait staff is as old as I am!
 
kgtest said:
Oh my, I once was asked politely to leave in my college days. I'm not perfect, but getting booted from the Waffle House at 2am is almost a higher honor than winning last year's S/P500 pick 'em contest.
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Heh, heh, I'm sure there's an interesting story behind being booted from WH. Inquiring minds want to know. (I'm guessing alcohol was involved but I have no particular way to guess that.) :cool:
 
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