Leadership

Ken Cole, past CEO of Damon's and Sizzler, dies at age 70

The West Virginia native spent almost his whole life in the restaurant industry, starting with Jerry's and most recently operating his own concept.
Sizzler was one of the chains Cole led. | Photo: Shutterstock

Ken Cole, whose long career in the restaurant business included serving as CEO of four operations, died on Saturday at age 70.

The cause of his death was not revealed.

Cole spent much of his life in the restaurant industry, starting with his ownership of a restaurant called Jerry’s.

The West Virginia native would go on to work for at least eight restaurant concepts, including Bonanza, Casa Lupita, Blue Chalk Café and Left at Albuquerque. He would serve three chains, Damon’s, Quaker Steak & Lube and Sizzler, as CEO.

Since 2011, Cole had been running Boston Beanery Restaurant & Tavern in Morgantown, West Virginia. Simultaneously, he served as a consultant to other restaurateurs.

His survivors include wife Vickie Heldreth Cole, to whom he was married for 51 years.

Correction: A man who identified himself as Cole's brother in law said the Jerry's owned by Cole was an independent operation and not part of the chain that was the foundation for Jerrico.

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