diff --git a/core/src/main/scala/kafka/server/KafkaServerStartable.scala b/core/src/main/scala/kafka/server/KafkaServerStartable.scala
index 2121b75..14fb7fc 100644
--- a/core/src/main/scala/kafka/server/KafkaServerStartable.scala
+++ b/core/src/main/scala/kafka/server/KafkaServerStartable.scala
@@ -38,6 +38,7 @@ class KafkaServerStartable(val serverConfig: KafkaConfig) extends Logging {
       case e =>
         fatal("Fatal error during KafkaServerStable startup. Prepare to shutdown", e)
         shutdown()
+        System.exit(1)
     }
   }