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Kent Taylor, co-founder and CEO of Texas Roadhouse Inc., has died of suicide, his family said, after suffering “unbearable” symptoms related to COVID-19.
Taylor’s family told McClatchy News in a statement that the company executive suffered “severe tinnitus” and other symptoms.
“Kent fought and fought hard like the former track champion he was, but the suffering which has intensified in recent days has become unbearable,” said his family.
“We are saddened by the decision Kent felt he had to make and would like to stress more than ever the importance of seeking help if you or someone you love is in pain,” they added.
The restaurant chain, which operates more than 500 dining establishments in 49 states, also confirmed Taylor’s recent death in a Facebook post.
“We will miss you, Kent. Because of you and your dream of Texas Roadhouse, we come to say that we [love] our jobs every day, ”the channel wrote in the post Thursday.
The news comes almost a year after Taylor, who co-founded the open channel in 1993, made headlines for giving up his bonus and base salary to pay his chain workers during the coronavirus pandemic.
Taylor’s base salary donation was just under $ 525,000 and his bonus was also $ 525,000, a company spokesperson told The Hill at the time.
“On a pro rata basis, the lost salary and bonus would represent just under $ 1 million in employee donations,” the spokesperson said at the time.
Greg Moore, the company’s senior manager, told the McClatchy News that “the selfless act came as no surprise to anyone who knew Kent and his strong belief in servant leadership.
“He was without a doubt a people-oriented leader. His entrepreneurial spirit will endure in the company he built, the projects he supported and the lives he touched, ”he added.
The company’s board of directors announced last week that President Jerry Morgan will take on the role of CEO of the company.
“While you would never expect the loss of a visionary like Kent, our succession plan, led by Kent, gives us great confidence,” Moore said in a press release announcing the move.
“Jerry’s operational experience and over 20 years of experience at Texas Roadhouse will be essential in helping the company and Roadies move forward after such a tragic loss,” he added.
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