Waffle House CEO Walter Ehmer died Saturday at age 58 after a battle with cancer. 

A 1989 graduate of Georgia Tech, Ehmer joined Waffle House in 1992. He became president in 2006 and CEO in 2012.

Mayor Andre Dickens said in a statement issued Sunday morning:

“I am saddened to learn of the passing of Walt Ehmer, the CEO of Waffle House and a proud Georgia Tech alumnus. His leadership, dedication and warmth touched the lives of many, both within the Waffle House family and beyond. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy. My thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time. May they find comfort in his enduring impact and the lasting mark he made on so many.”

This story comes to GPB through a reporting partnership with Rough Draft Atlanta.