Waffle House CEO Passes Away, Atlanta Mayor Says

Waffle House CEO Joe Rogers Jr. has died, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced on Twitter Saturday.

Rogers was 72. The cause of death has not been released.

Bottoms said in a tweet that Rogers was a "true visionary" and that his "legacy will live on through the Waffle House family."

Waffle House is a 24-hour breakfast chain with more than 2,100 locations in 25 states. The company was founded in 1955 by Rogers' father, Joe Rogers Sr., and his uncle, Tom Forkner.

Rogers Jr. took over as CEO of Waffle House in 1988. Under his leadership, the company expanded rapidly and became one of the most successful restaurant chains in the United States.

Rogers was also a philanthropist and supported many charitable organizations, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the United Way.

He was a graduate of the University of Georgia and served on the board of directors for several companies, including Coca-Cola and Delta Air Lines.

Rogers is survived by his wife, Pam, and four children.

Here are some of Rogers' accomplishments as CEO of Waffle House:

• Expanded the company from 400 locations to more than 2,100 locations.
• Introduced new menu items, such as the All-Star Breakfast and the Texas Cheesesteak Melt.
• Oversaw the construction of a new corporate headquarters in Norcross, Georgia.
• Established the Waffle House Foundation, which supports charities and educational programs.
• Received numerous awards for his business acumen and philanthropy, including the Horatio Alger Award and the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.