LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (WSAZ) – The family of Texas Roadhouse founder and CEO Kent Taylor said on Friday that Taylor took his own life after battling post-COVID-related symptoms.
In a statement, the family said those symptoms include severe tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
The Louisville-based restaurant said on Thursday that Taylor had passed away. 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.
Following is the full statement released by the family on Friday:
“Our community and the restaurant industry lost a legend this week and the Taylor family lost a wonderful son, father and grandfather this week.
“After battling post-Covid-related symptoms, including severe tinnitus, Kent Taylor took his own life this week. Kent fought and fought like the former job champion he was, but the suffering intensified in recent days became unbearable.
But in true Kent fashion, he always found a silver lining to help others. Most recently, he committed to funding a clinical trial to help members of the military who also suffer from tinnitus.
“Kent leaves an unparalleled legacy as a number one leader, which is why he often said Texas Roadhouse was a people company that happened to serve steaks. He changed the lives of hundreds of millions of employees and guests over the past 28 years. He also impacted hundreds of thousands of people through his generous and often anonymous donations.
On a cocktail napkin, Kent famously created what would eventually become Texas Roadhouse. He leaves behind a legendary company led by his handpicked Leadership Team, fueled by the passion of Roadies in communities around the world.
Everyone who knew him will miss him greatly and Kent’s direction was always clear. Happy employees make happy guests.
“We are saddened by Kent’s decision to make and want to emphasize more than ever the importance of seeking help when you or someone you love is suffering.
As Kent said so often, ‘keep it legendary’.
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