'A people-first leader': Texas Roadhouse announces death of founder and CEO Kent Taylor

The founder and CEO of Kentucky-based restaurant chain Texas Roadhouse has died, the company announced on Thursday.

Kent Taylor founded the Louisville-based casual dining restaurant in 1993 and held various positions in the company, including most recently board chair and CEO, according to a company statement.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Kent Taylor," Greg Moore said on behalf of the Board of Directors. "He founded Texas Roadhouse and dedicated himself to building it into a legendary experience for 'Roadies' and restaurant guests alike."

As restaurants faced restrictions and other pandemic-related challenges last year, Taylor gave up his own base salary and incentive bonus from March 18, 2020, through Jan. 7.

"This selfless act was no surprise to anyone who knew Kent and his strong belief in servant leadership," Moore said in Thursday's statement. "He was without a doubt, a people-first leader. His entrepreneurial spirit will live on in the company he built, the projects he supported and the lives he touched.”

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Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer released a statement on social media following the company's announcement Thursday evening. He called Taylor a "much loved and one-of-a-kind citizen" and added Taylor had a "kind and generous spirit." 

He called Texas Roadhouse "one of America's great companies." 

"He was a maverick entrepreneur who embodied the values of never giving up and putting others first," Fischer said in his tweet. "My deepest condolences to Kent's family and many, many friends."

The company did not release funeral arrangements or details about the cause of Taylor's death.

Follow Emma Austin on Twitter: @emmacaustin.