Kent Taylor, the CEO and founder of Texas Roadhouse, has passed away at the age of 65.
Mr. Taylor, who founded the popular restaurant chain that now boasts of 630 restaurants spread across 10 countries and 49 states, reportedly took his own life amid his battle with tinnitus and other post-coronavirus symptoms.
“Kent battled and fought hard like the former track champion that he was, but the suffering that greatly intensified in recent days became unbearable,” the businessman’s family revealed in a heartbreaking statement.
Throughout the decades, Taylor was the rock of his business, whereas he took on various roles in the company to ensure the success of the restaurant chain.
The Texas Roadhouse Chairman and CEO last year also went viral after donating his multi-million salary from March 2020 to January 2021 to support the frontline workers at his company.
“Our community and the restaurant industry lost a legend and the Taylor family lost a wonderful son, father and grandad this week,” a family statement obtained by CNN read.
“Kent leaves an unmatched legacy as a people-first leader, which is why he often said that Texas Roadhouse was a people company that just happened to serve steaks. He changed the lives of hundreds of millions of employees and guests over the past 28 years.
“We are saddened by the decision Kent felt he needed to make and want to emphasize more than ever the importance of reaching out for help if you or someone you love is suffering.”
Paying a tribute to the “one-of-a-kind” citizen was also Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer who praised the entrepreneur for always putting other people first.
“Louisville lost a much loved and one-of-a-kind citizen with Kent Taylor’s passing today. Kent’s kind and generous spirit was his constant driving force whether it was quietly helping a friend or building one of America’s great companies in @texasroadhouse,” the mayor expressed.
“He was a maverick entrepreneur who embodied the values of never giving up and putting others first. My deepest condolences to Kent’s family and many, many friends.”
Our thoughts are with Taylor’s family and friends during these hard times.
Replaced!