LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – Texas Roadhouse, Inc., a Louisville-based restaurant chain, announced Thursday that its founder and CEO, Kent Taylor, has passed away.
Taylor, a Louisville native and a graduate of Ballard High School, founded the Texas Roadhouse in 1993. He held various positions throughout the company, including chairman and chief executive officer, according to a press release.
At the beginning of last year, Taylor agreed to waive his salary from March through January 2021, with funds intended to help front-line restaurant employees during the pandemic.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Kent Taylor. He founded the Texas Roadhouse and dedicated himself to making it a legendary experience for ‘Roadies’ and restaurant guests alike. During the pandemic, he gave up his entire compensation package to help keep his front-line workers, ”said Greg Moore, senior director of the Texas Roadhouse board of directors. “This selfless act came as no surprise to anyone who knew Kent and his firm belief in servant leadership. Without a doubt, he was a leader who put people first. His entrepreneurial spirit will live on in the company he built, the projects he supported and the lives he touched ”.
No further details were provided at this time.
Texas Roadhouse, a casual dining and steakhouse chain with operations in Louisville, has more than 630 locations in 49 states across the country.
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