LOUISVILLE, Ky (WAVE) – Texas Roadhouse, Inc., a Louisville-based restaurant chain, announced Thursday that its founder and CEO, Kent Taylor, has died.
Taylor, a native of Louisville and a graduate of Ballard High School, founded Texas Roadhouse in 1993. He held various positions throughout the company, including board chairman and CEO, according to a press release.
Earlier last year, Taylor agreed to give up his salary from March to January 2021, with funds to help front-line restaurant employees during the pandemic.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Kent Taylor. He founded Texas Roadhouse and dedicated himself to making it a legendary experience for both the ‘Roadies’ and the restaurant guests. During the pandemic, he gave up his entire compensation package to help support his front-line workers, ”said Greg Moore, senior director of the Texas Roadhouse board. “This selfless act did not surprise anyone who knew Kent and his strong belief in servant leadership. He was, without a doubt, the first leader of the people. His entrepreneurial spirit will live in the company he built, in the projects he supported and in the lives he touched ”.
No other details were provided at this time.
Texas Roadhouse, a chain of casual dining restaurants and casual restaurant operating in Louisville, has more than 630 locations in 49 states nationwide.
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