LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WSAZ) – The family of Texas Roadhouse founder and CEO Kent Taylor said Friday that Taylor ended his life after a battle with COVID-related symptoms.
In a statement, the family said these symptoms included severe tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
The Louisville-based restaurant said Thursday that Taylor was dead. He founded the company in 1993, which expanded to more than 630 locations in 49 states, including local locations in Ashland, Kentucky and Barboursville, West Virginia.
Below is the entire statement released Friday by the family:
“Our community and the catering industry lost a legend and the Taylor family lost a wonderful son, father and grandfather this week.
“After a battle with post-Covid-related symptoms, including severe tinnitus, Kent Taylor ended his life this week. Kent struggled and fought hard as the former track champion he was, but suffering which intensified greatly in recent days became unbearable.
“But in true Kent fashion, he always found a silver lining to help others. More recently, he pledged to fund a clinical study to help the military who also suffer from tinnitus.
“Kent leaves an unparalleled legacy as the first leader of the people, which is why he often said that Texas Roadhouse was a company of people who had just served the steaks. In the last 28 years, it has changed the lives of hundreds of millions of people. employees and guests.It also impacted hundreds of thousands of people thanks to their generous and often anonymous donations.
“The famous Kent created what would eventually become Texas Roadhouse in a cocktail napkin. He leaves behind a legendary company run by his hand-picked leadership team, fueled by the passion of roadies in communities around the world.
“Everyone who knew him will miss him a lot and Kent’s direction was always clear. Happy employees make happy guests.
“We are saddened by the decision Kent deemed necessary and want to emphasize more than ever the importance of seeking help if you or someone you love is suffering.
“As Kent would so often say, ‘Keep it legendary.'”
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