Kent Taylor, CEO of Roadhouse, died in the middle of the COVID-19 battle

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LOUISVILLE, Ky (AP) – Kent Taylor, founder and CEO of the Texas Roadhouse restaurant chain, has died. He was 65 years old. His family and company say he took his own life after suffering from COVID-19 symptoms, including severe tinnitus.

Taylor’s family and company confirmed his death in a statement on Sunday.

Tinnitus is a common condition that involves sounds or other noises in one or both ears. Experts say that coronavirus can aggravate tinnitus problems.

“Kent fought and fought hard as the former track champion, but the suffering that has intensified a lot in recent days has become unbearable,” the statement said.

The 65-year-old man suffered from severe tinnitus, which experts say can be exacerbated by coronavirus.


Ron Bath / Texas Roadhouse via AP

The 65-year-old man suffered from severe tinnitus, which experts say can be exacerbated by coronavirus.

Taylor recently committed to funding a clinical trial to help military members suffering from tinnitus, the statement said.

“Kent leaves an unparalleled legacy as a leader primarily for people, which is why he has often said that Texas Roadhouse was a company of people who just happened to serve steaks,” the statement said.

Taylor opened the first Texas Roadhouse restaurant in 1993 in Clarksville, Indiana, coming up with the idea for a cocktail napkin. It currently operates 610 restaurants in 49 states and 10 other countries. Texas Roadhouse is based in Taylor’s hometown, Louisville, Kentucky.

“Kent’s kind and generous spirit has been his constant strength, whether he has quietly helped a friend or built one of the great American companies in @texasroadhouse,” Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer said on Twitter. “He was an entrepreneur who embodied the values ​​of never giving up and putting others first.”

Taylor, who died Thursday, is survived by his parents, Powell and Marilyn Taylor; three children and five grandchildren. Texas Roadhouse spokesman Travis Doster said a small private service is planned this week.

If you or someone you know needs help, call 1-800-273-8255 to National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. You can also send HOME text to 741-741 toll free, 24-hour support from the Crisis text line. Outside the US, please visit the International Suicide Prevention Association for a database of resources.

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