LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (WAVE) – Texas Roadhouse, Inc., a Louisville-based restaurant chain, announced on Thursday that its founder and Chief Executive Officer, Kent Taylor, has passed away.
Born in Louisville and a graduate of Ballard High School, Taylor founded Texas Roadhouse in 1993. He has held a variety of positions within the company, including chairman of the board and CEO, according to a press release.
Early last year Taylor agreed to give up his salary from March through January 2021, with the money that will help aid frontline restaurant workers during the pandemic.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Kent Taylor. He founded Texas Roadhouse and dedicated himself to building it into a legendary experience for ‘Roadies’ and restaurant diners alike. During the pandemic, he gave up his full compensation package to support his frontline workers, ”said Greg Moore, chief executive of Texas Roadhouse’s board of directors. “This selfless act came as no surprise to someone who knew Kent and his strong belief in servant leadership. He was without a doubt a leader who came first. His entrepreneurial spirit will live on in the business he has built, the projects he has supported and the lives he has touched. “
No other details have been provided at this time.
Texas Roadhouse, a steakhouse and casual restaurant chain with operations in Louisville, has more than 630 locations in 49 rural states.
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