Jayson Poluka, the founder of Meadow’s Italiano pizza restaurant in Mooresville, North Carolina, has died.

Poluka’s death was announced by his company in a post on social media paying tribute to him.

“Our hearts are heavier than words can explain as we share the news of the passing of our beloved founder, Jayson Poluka. Jayson was more than just a boss; he was a mentor, a friend, and a family member to us all. His passion for food, his unwavering spirit, and his infectious laughter made working with him a joy,” the post read.

According to the post, his death comes after battling serious health obstacles in recent years. He was praised for the grace and strength which he faced these challenges.

“We’ll miss his guidance, his wisdom, and his unwavering belief in our team. His legacy will live on in every dish we serve, a testament to his tireless dedication and unwavering commitment to excellence,” the post added.

Meanwhile, the restaurant revealed more information about their next steps would be revealed in coming days.

Poluka co-founded Meadow’s Italiano in 2020 as a concept restaurant serving ‘handmade Subs and pop-up specials’.

He’s also co-founder of another Italian restaurant, Capishe, in Charlotte.