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 has fought and fought hard like the former track champion, but the suffering that has intensified greatly in recent days has become unbearable,” the statement said.
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 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.
Need help? Call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or send a HELLO message to 741741, Crisis Text Line.