LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – Texas Roadhouse, Inc., a Louisville-based restaurant chain, announced on Thursday that its founder and CEO, Kent Taylor, has passed away.
Taylor, a Louisville native and graduated from Ballard High School, founded Texas Roadhouse in 1993. He held several positions at the company, including Chairman and CEO, according to a press release.
At the beginning of last year, Taylor agreed to give up his salary from March to January 2021, with funds to help frontline 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 customers. During the pandemic, he gave up his entire compensation package to help support his frontline workers, ”said Greg Moore, chief director of the Texas Roadhouse board of directors. “This selfless act came as no surprise to anyone who knew Kent and his strong belief in servant leadership. He was undoubtedly a leader who prioritized people. Your entrepreneurial spirit will live in the company you built, the projects you supported and the lives you touched. “
No further details have been provided at this time.
Texas Roadhouse, a chain of steakhouses and casual restaurants with operations in Louisville, has more than 630 locations in 49 states across the country.
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