Paul Sonner, owner of Reno-based Bully's Sports Bar and Grill, died Saturday of a heart attack, a company official said.
"We are extremely shocked and saddened at the loss of our leader and friend," said Jody Clark, District Manager of the bar and grill that spans 13 locations throughout Northern Nevada.
Sonner, 46, founded Bully's in 1994 and opened his Carson City location in 2000, Clark said.
Sonner was known for supporting dozens of charitable causes, local high schools and the Nevada Wolf Pack.
Bully's filed for bankruptcy earlier this month with Sonner citing a troubled economy and the effects of the state smoking ban on his business, which was approved by the Legislature in 2007.
"There's not going to be any changes (to the business)," Clark said on Tuesday. "We feel confident even though the Chapter 11 was filed, Paul had put a plan in place for us to be successful."
Sonner is survived by his 15-year-old daughter. Services are pending, but will likely be held sometime next month, Clark said.