LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – Texas Roadhouse, Inc., a Louisville restaurant chain, announced Thursday that its founder and CEO, Kent Taylor, has died.
Taylor, a native of Louisville and a graduate of Ballard High School, founded Texas Roadhouse in 1993. He has held various positions throughout the company, including chairman and CEO, according to a press release.
At the beginning of last year, Taylor agreed to give up his salary from March to January 2021, with funds that will help assist front-line restaurant employees during the pandemic.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Kent Taylor. He founded Texas Roadhouse and dedicated himself to building it in a legendary experience for both “Roadies” and restaurant guests. During the pandemic, it gave up its entire compensation package to support its front-line workers, ”said Greg Moore, chief executive of Texas Roadhouse. “This altruistic act came as no surprise to anyone who knew Kent and his strong faith in leading the servants. He was undoubtedly a leader of the people. His entrepreneurial spirit will live in the company he has built, in the projects he has supported and in the lives he has achieved. ”
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 states nationwide.
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