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The Varsity (restaurant)
The Varsity (restaurant)
The Varsity (restaurant)
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The famous Varsity 'V' sign as seen from the Downtown Connector

Key Information

The Varsity is a restaurant chain in Atlanta, Georgia.[2] The main branch of the chain was the largest drive-in fast food restaurant in the world,[3] taking up two city blocks and accommodating up to 800 diners. The main location ended car-side service in 2020.[4] There are now seven other branches across metropolitan Atlanta.[5]

History

[edit]

Originally named "The Yellow Jacket", The Varsity was established in 1928 at the corner of Luckie Street and Hemphill Avenue in Midtown Atlanta.[6] Its founder, Frank Gordy[7] of Thomaston, Georgia, a Reinhardt University graduate, briefly attended The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), studying industrial management. Popular legend states that Gordy dropped out, but according to Janice McDonald, he actually transferred to Oglethorpe College.[8] As the business grew, Gordy was forced to move the restaurant to 61 North Avenue (on the northwest corner of Spring Street). To accommodate the crowds, the present structure now covers two city blocks. It was here that the name was changed to "The Varsity," reflecting his desire to expand to other college campuses. During the drive-in era, The Varsity began its curbside service. The Atlanta location ceased offering curbside service in July 2020[9] but later reintroduced it in September of that year, in modified form.[10]

The current location in Atlanta is now adjacent to the Downtown Connector's interchange with North Avenue. When that freeway (now I-75/85) was built by GDOT, it took out several blocks of Williams Street and much of The Varsity's western parking lot, forcing a parking garage to be erected as a replacement. The restaurant and the Georgia Tech campus sit on opposite sides of the Connector, linked by the North Avenue bridge.[11]

The enterprise has since expanded all around the state of Georgia. They include the cities of Bethlehem, Cartersville, Dawsonville, Kennesaw, Norcross, Rome, and Watkinsville. Former Varsity locations include the cities of Athens and Alpharetta.[12][13] The first Athens location opened in 1932 at the corner of East Broad Street and College Avenue but was closed around the late 1970s. Another Athens location opened further west on West Broad Street near Milledge Avenue in the 1960s. The latter location is scheduled for demolition in 2021. The Varsity location in Athens closed in June 2021,[14] though the company hinted that it might return to Athens.[15][16] The Alpharetta location closed on February 1, 2016,[17] as it had become unprofitable,[18] and the building has since been demolished.[19] In 2023, a new Varsity opened in Bethlehem.[20] During that same year, construction for a location in Rome began. Although it was supposed to be open by the end of the year, the Rome location opened in Spring 2024.[21]

The Varsity, Jr., located in northeast Atlanta, was the only other location of the chain to offer curbside service. The Varsity, Jr. closed in August 2010, having been at that location for more than 40 years, after the city of Atlanta did not approve the chain's plans to replace that building. The plans for the new Varsity, Jr. were instead used for the new location in Dawsonville. The restaurant offers catering services to the metro Atlanta region for both corporate and non-corporate functions, going as far east as Conyers and Stone Mountain, Georgia.[citation needed]

There is also a mini-Varsity on the campus of Reinhardt University in Waleska, Georgia. Frank Gordy met his wife, Evelyn, at Reinhardt in 1924 and went on to Georgia Tech to finish his education. Their custom-designed home was later moved from Atlanta to the Reinhardt University campus. The Gordy family gave part of their land to Cobb County for what is now the Mountain View campus of Chattahoochee Technical College and the Mountain View Aquatics Center, the rest was sold in the 1990s for upscale tract housing and strip malls. Gordy Parkway, a loop named for Frank Gordy, serves all of these.[citation needed]

Culture

[edit]
The Varsity on North Avenue in Downtown Atlanta
The Varsity in Kennesaw, Georgia
Varsity restaurant in Rome, Georgia, US

One of the best-known employees at the Varsity was Erby Walker, who worked there for 45 years until he died in 2008. He started at the Varsity at the age of 15 sweeping floors, and was nearly fired on the first day, but soon graduated to the kitchen. Mr. Walker was noted for his ability to move the service line quickly, especially during the rush period right before a Georgia Tech football game. His signature catchphrase was, "Have your money out and your food on your mind, and I'll getcha to the game on time!" He retired in 2003, but came back three weeks later. That year Walker was inducted into the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau Hospitality Hall of Fame.[22]

Comedian Nipsey Russell began his entertainment career at The Varsity in the 1940s as a carhop. The creative and resourceful Russell would dress in a flamboyant style and pepper his order-taking duties with jokes and amusing songs, thereby earning him extra tips.[23] U.S. presidents Jimmy Carter, George H. W. Bush,[24] Bill Clinton and Barack Obama all visited The Varsity during their terms in office.[25] Mad artist Jack Davis has done advertising for The Varsity.

The Varsity was featured in the PBS documentary A Hot Dog Program by Rick Sebak.[26] It also appeared in the movie We Are Marshall while the coaches are recruiting players.

Service

[edit]

The Varsity bills itself as "The World’s Largest Drive-in Restaurant."[27] According to the Atlanta History Center, The Varsity receives over 30,000 people on days when a football game is playing.[28] The restaurant receives several more visitors during Supercross Saturday and on Saturdays in July in general.[29]

In 1996, The Varsity stated that it served over 5,000 fried fruit pies, two miles of hotdogs, 300 gallons of chili, 2,500 pounds of potatoes and 2,000 pounds of onions every day. It also described itself as the largest seller of Coca-Cola in the world.[30] In 1998, The Baltimore Sun reported that the restaurant sold over 12,000 hotdogs a day and could deliver over 1,000 hotdogs a minute via conveyor belt.[31] In August 2018, Garden & Gun reported that the restaurant could manufacture up to 2,400 fried fruit pies an hour.[32]

A meal at The Varsity
Varsity catering at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers during the Celebrate Freedom 2007 concert on September 1, 2007
Varsity catering at the House of Cheatham facility in Stone Mountain, Georgia on March 6, 2008

There is a Varsity location at the Atlanta airport; it does not accept cash.[citation needed]

See also

[edit]

Books

[edit]
  • What'll Ya Have: A History of the Varsity. Dick Parker. Looking Glass Books, 2003. ISBN 978-1-929619-18-4
  • Images of America: The Varsity. Janice McDonald. Arcadia Publishing, 2011. ISBN 978-0-7385-8797-4

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

The Varsity (restaurant)

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Varsity is a family-owned American fast-food restaurant chain headquartered in , Georgia, historically recognized as the world's largest drive-in of its kind. Founded in by Frank Gordy with a modest $1,860 investment on a small lot at 55 North Avenue, it began as a single location serving hot dogs and quickly became a local institution known for its speedy service, affordable classic fare like chili dogs and onion rings, and the signature server greeting "What'll ya have?" Since its opening, which drew 300 customers and generated $47.30 on the first day, The Varsity has expanded under stewardship to eight locations across Georgia as of 2025, including outposts in Kennesaw, the Atlanta airport, , and Watkinsville (following the 2025 closure of the Athens site), while maintaining its original site at 61 North Avenue NW. By 1950, the main Atlanta branch had grown to employ 130 and claimed its "world's largest drive-in" title—a designation rooted in its history—through expansions that added seating for over 800 indoors. (Note: Carhop drive-in service at the main location ended in 2020.) The restaurant's menu emphasizes timeless Southern fast food, with signature items including the (a grilled topped with mustard, onions, and house-made chili), slaw dog, glorifried onions (hand-battered rings), , and the frosted orange shake (F.O.), a blended with . Orders are placed using a distinctive "Varsity lingo" —such as "ring one" for onion rings, "strings" for fries, or "walk a " for a to-go chili dog—to facilitate rapid service amid high-volume crowds. Culturally, The Varsity has been a staple of Atlanta life for nearly a century, frequented by generations of locals, students (given its proximity to the campus), and celebrities like Presidents and , as well as comedian , who worked there early in his career. Its enduring appeal lies in the blend of nostalgic experience, fresh-prepared food, and community ties, earning it induction into the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau Hall of Fame in 2021 through third-generation owner Nancy Gordy Simms.

History

Founding and early development

The Varsity was founded in 1928 by Frank , a Georgia Tech alumnus, as a drive-in initially named "The Yellow Jacket" at the corner of Luckie Street and Hemphill Avenue (near North Avenue) in , Georgia. The opened in June 1928, serving 300 customers and generating $47.30 on its first day. , who had briefly attended the before , used profits from earlier ventures to finance the operation. With a modest investment of $1,860, he soon relocated to a leased house at 55 North Avenue and constructed a small 14-by-35-foot brick building featuring a six-stool counter and walk-up window, targeting students and locals with quick, affordable meals. In the early 1930s, the restaurant was renamed The Varsity to more directly appeal to 's student body, whose athletic teams are known as the Yellow Jackets, broadening its identity beyond the original moniker while honoring the university's mascot. This rebranding occurred as the business gained traction among the campus community and relocated to its expanded site at 61 North Avenue NW, solidifying its role as a student-oriented eatery. The initial menu emphasized straightforward, inexpensive fare including hot dogs, hamburgers, and simple drinks like orangeade, designed for fast preparation and consumption. Early operations highlighted curbside service for drive-in convenience, allowing customers to eat in their cars—a novel feature at the time that catered to the mobility of students and workers—though it began with a basic walk-up setup before evolving into full service. Hot dogs, a staple, were priced at just 5 cents each, making them accessible even on tight budgets. The onset of the in 1929 posed significant economic challenges just a year after opening, with nationwide soaring and plummeting. Gordy adapted by keeping menu prices deliberately low, such as maintaining the 5-cent hot dog, which helped sustain customer traffic; notably, on October 28, 1929—the day of the —the restaurant still generated $68.30 in sales. This strategy of affordability ensured survival during the early years of widespread financial hardship. Family involvement was integral from the outset, with Gordy's relatives assisting in daily operations and management, laying the foundation for the business's enduring family-owned structure.

Expansion and milestones

Following the post-World War II economic boom, The Varsity experienced significant growth in the late 1940s and 1950s, driven by increasing demand from Atlanta's expanding population and students. In 1948, the restaurant underwent a major expansion, closing ancillary spaces like the Q Room and barbershop to add two television viewing rooms and increase overall capacity. By 1950, it had claimed the title of the world's largest drive-in, employing 100 carhops and serving a surging customer base. This period solidified its status as a regional icon, occupying over two acres at its North Avenue site and accommodating up to 600 cars and 800 indoor diners. The chain's expansion continued into the with the opening of satellite locations to tap into nearby university markets. In 1964, a new drive-in branch opened in , targeting students and featuring ample parking to accommodate the growing number of car-owning patrons. This marked the first major extension beyond the original site, building on an earlier outpost from 1932 at 101 College Avenue that had closed by the late ; the 1964 Athens location operated until its closure in 2021. Family involvement remained central during this era, as Frank Gordy's children, including sons who assisted in operations, helped maintain the restaurant's recipes and high-volume service model amid rapid scaling. By the , further renovations expanded the downtown dining room by 3,500 square feet to seat 650, reflecting adaptations to shifting customer preferences for indoor options. Key milestones underscored the restaurant's enduring success through the late 20th and early 21st centuries. In 2018, The Varsity marked its 90th anniversary with special events, including a one-day promotion offering all menu items for 90 cents, drawing crowds to its and satellite sites and highlighting its cultural staying power. The family business transitioned leadership after Frank Gordy's death in 1983, with daughter Nancy Gordy Simms assuming control and later involving third-generation members like grandsons Gordon Muir and Taul Beeby in executive roles by the 2010s. Adaptations to modern challenges included enhanced indoor seating expansions in the and , as well as navigating the through temporary suspensions of service in 2020, emphasis on takeout and drive-thru options, and brief closures due to positive cases, without any permanent shutdowns. As of 2025, The Varsity remains family-owned and operated by the descendants, with eight locations across Georgia, including the flagship in , branches in Kennesaw, Norcross (Gwinnett), Dawsonville, Winder, LakePoint, , and Watkinsville. Recent openings, such as the Watkinsville site in April 2025, reflect ongoing regional growth. Public reports estimate annual revenue at approximately $22 million, primarily from the operation, which serves over 2 million Coca-Colas yearly—more than any other globally—and handles peak crowds of up to 30,000 customers daily on event days.

Operations

The Varsity's menu centers on American drive-in fare, featuring , hamburgers, , and onion rings as core offerings, with all items prepared fresh daily in-house using no frozen ingredients for sides like fries and rings. are made with 100% and served on steamed buns, with popular varieties including the Naked Dog (plain ), (topped with all- chili, mustard, and onions), (chili dog with on a toasted bun), and Slaw Dog ( with ). The restaurant's commitment to affordable, no-frills dining allows a full meal to typically cost under $10. Hamburgers consist of 1/4-pound steakburgers grilled to order, available plain, with cheese (, Swiss, or homemade pimento), or as a topped with the signature chili; combos pair these with fries or onion rings and a medium . Signature drinks include the iconic Frosted Orange, introduced in the 1930s as a blend of orange sherbet, , and shake mix, offering a creamy, refreshing option that has remained a staple since the restaurant's early years. Other beverages encompass soft drinks like cola and , as well as milkshakes in flavors such as and , with the Frosted Orange often highlighted for its enduring popularity. Vegetarian options are limited, primarily consisting of plain onion rings, , and sandwiches, as most items incorporate meat-based elements like the all-beef chili or hot dogs. The all-beef chili, a key component in many dishes, is made from scratch daily using , onions, , , , , mustard, and spices like and , ensuring consistency with recipes dating back to 1928. Nutritionally, items are high in calories and fats typical of , with a standard containing approximately 250 calories, 17g fat, 15g carbohydrates, and 9g protein; the is peanut-free but operates in a shared environment, posing risks of cross-contamination for allergens such as , , , and soy. Seasonal or limited items appear occasionally, such as holiday-themed milkshakes, but the core has remained largely unchanged to preserve its historical appeal.
CategoryExample ItemDescription
Hot Dogs100% beef hot dog with all-beef chili, mustard, onions on steamed bun
BurgersSteakburger1/4 lb grilled beef patty, plain or with toppings
SidesFresh-cut, never frozen
DrinksFrosted Orange (Medium)Orange sherbet blended with and vanilla shake

Service and ordering system

The Varsity's service model originated as a drive-in operation in 1928, emphasizing curbside delivery where customers park in designated spaces and carhops approach vehicles to take orders and deliver food on trays attached to car doors. Indoor diners utilize a quick counter service, ordering at one of several registers along the 150-foot counter before carrying trays to tables or booths, with no table service provided. This dual system supports high-volume throughput, serving 10,000 to 15,000 customers daily and up to 30,000 on Georgia Tech football weekends. Central to the experience is the iconic catchphrase "What'll ya have?", shouted by carhops since to prompt rapid orders and maintain momentum in the fast-paced environment. Employees, often uniformed and trained for efficiency, include "curb boys" or carhops who manage multiple vehicles simultaneously, historically riding car bumpers to reach parking areas and supervising up to 50 cars during peak shifts. The main downtown site accommodates up to 600 cars in its multi-level lot alongside 800 indoor seats, enabling the handling of large crowds with minimal delays. Efficiency is enhanced by a proprietary ordering lingo developed over decades, allowing abbreviated commands such as "F.O." for Frosted Orange. Customers are encouraged to have orders and payment ready upon approach, contributing to the no-nonsense, high-energy atmosphere where food preparation occurs at lightning speed behind the counter. Over time, the system has adapted to modern needs; traditional curbside service was temporarily suspended in July 2020 due to but reintroduced via a two-lane drive-thru with delivery later that September, utilizing the site's parking structure for faster in-car service. Post-2020, options including and were implemented across locations to streamline transactions. This evolution preserves the brisk customer experience, characterized by a bustling, assembly-line vibe that prioritizes volume and speed over leisurely dining.

Locations and facilities

Original downtown site

The original downtown site of The Varsity is located at 61 North Avenue NW in Atlanta, Georgia, occupying a more than 2-acre plot that spans two city blocks. The layout includes over 600 parking spaces, primarily in surface lots and a multi-level garage, supporting its role as a major drive-in landmark. A prominent neon-lit canopy extends over parts of the exterior, enhancing its visibility along North Avenue, while the overall design draws from architecture—a variant of —introduced during a renovation by architect Jules Grey. The site accommodates around 800 diners indoors across its expansive dining areas, with additional outdoor seating options historically available. Operations at this flagship location were 24/7 until the , after which hours shifted to 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM Sunday through Thursday and 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM Friday and Saturday, with closures on major holidays. On peak days, such as Georgia Tech game days, the restaurant serves over 30,000 customers, underscoring its high-volume capacity. Architectural highlights include the massive illuminated "V" sign atop the building, vintage neon signage, porthole windows, curved corners, and ceramic siding that evoke mid-20th-century roadside aesthetics. Inside, the space features checkered floors, long counters, and displays of historical memorabilia, including photos and artifacts from the restaurant's nearly century-long . Visitor amenities encompass standard restrooms, an on-site offering Varsity-branded merchandise such as apparel and collectibles, and improvements like ramps and refurbished entryways added during a pre-Olympics renovation. Maintenance efforts in the 2010s and beyond have emphasized preservation, including structural updates to sustain the site's drive-in character, even as surrounding urban development prompts ongoing discussions about parking lot while protecting the core building.

Additional branches

The Varsity operates several additional branches beyond its flagship location, each adapted to local demographics and suburban settings while preserving the chain's signature fast-food drive-in model. The branch, established in 1932 directly across from the University of Georgia's Arch at 101 College Avenue, initially served as a walk-up counter before expanding to a larger drive-in format on Milledge Avenue around to accommodate the college crowd. This site emphasized late-night service for students, with a focus on quick, affordable meals like hot dogs and onion rings, but closed permanently in June 2021 after nearly 90 years due to property redevelopment. In the 1990s, the chain expanded into suburban areas, beginning with the Norcross (Gwinnett) location in 1990, the first new branch in over two decades. Situated off Boulevard at 6045 Dawson Boulevard, this site offers more extensive indoor seating for families, alongside a drive-thru and outdoor options, contrasting the original's massive curbside emphasis; it has operated for over 30 years, fostering a family-friendly atmosphere in the growing Gwinnett County area. The Kennesaw branch, opened in 1999 at Town Center Mall, follows a similar strip-mall format with drive-thru priority and indoor dining, located at 2790 Town Center Drive to serve shoppers and local residents near Smyrna and Woodstock. Further growth in the and included the Dawsonville Varsity Jr. in 2010, a compact drive-thru-focused outpost at 73 Bethel Drive tailored to highway travelers along GA-400. Recent expansions reflect continued adaptation, with the Winder branch opening in August 2023 at 410 Exchange Blvd in to serve the Barrow County area with drive-thru and indoor seating. The LakePoint branch in Cartersville opening in January 2024 at 185 LakePoint Parkway as a sports complex adjunct emphasizing drive-thru efficiency, the location debuting in 2024 at 879 Spider Webb Drive with similar quick-service priorities, and the Watkinsville site launching in 2025 at 2271 Hog Mountain Road, initially drive-thru only to cater to Oconee County's commuter traffic. Two airport counters at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta (Concourse F and Gate C21) provide grab-and-go service for travelers since 2012 and 2013. All branches uphold the core menu of chili dogs, hamburgers, fries, and frosted orange shakes, along with the iconic "What'll ya have?" ordering call, though suburban sites incorporate minor local tweaks such as varied combo options without altering signature items. The chain has experienced no permanent closures since the 2021 Athens shutdown and Alpharetta's 2016 closure, with temporary operational adjustments during major events like the 1996 Olympics at select sites to handle increased demand.

Cultural significance

Role in Atlanta's identity

The Varsity stands as a enduring symbol of Atlanta's post-war prosperity and , embodying the city's vibrant drive-in culture that flourished in the mid-20th century amid economic growth and automobile enthusiasm. Founded near in 1928, it expanded rapidly after , claiming the title of the "World’s Largest Drive-In" by 1950 and becoming a social gathering spot for dates, hangouts, and community events in the and . This iconic eatery attracts locals, tourists, and dignitaries alike, serving as a must-visit that captures Atlanta's welcoming spirit through its fast-paced service and signature greeting, "What'll ya have?" Over the decades, it has hosted celebrities such as in the 1930s and , as well as U.S. presidents including , , , and during their terms. Deeply intertwined with Atlanta's community life, The Varsity maintains strong ties to , where it originated as a student hangout and remains a pre-game ritual destination, drawing over 30,000 patrons on Yellow Jackets football days alone. Its parking lots and curbside service have long fostered local traditions, from post-war youth gatherings to modern catering for major events like the 1996 Olympics, where it fed 27,000 Delta employees. The restaurant supports broader through group visits, buses, and charity information shared via its website, reinforcing its role as a neighborhood anchor. Economically, The Varsity contributes significantly to Atlanta's and sector, operating eight locations and employing hundreds of staff across roles like carhops and caterers, with historical peaks of 130 carhops in the . The flagship site, spanning two city blocks and accommodating up to 800 diners indoors plus curbside service, generates substantial local impact by drawing consistent crowds that bolster the area's vibrancy and visitor economy. Its enduring appeal sustains high foot traffic. In 2017, it ranked among Atlanta's largest restaurants by sales. Preservation efforts underscore The Varsity's status as a cultural treasure, with its 1940 streamlined modern renovation by architect Jules Grey preserved as a testament to design. In 2016, the Atlanta History Center highlighted it in the "Atlanta in 50 Objects" exhibit, featuring its #1 Combo meal to represent the city's culinary heritage. Further recognition came in 2021 when third-generation owner Nancy Gordy Simms was inducted into the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau Hall of Fame for safeguarding the family's legacy. In 2022, Simms retired as CEO after 40 years, passing ownership to the fourth generation, including her son Gordon Muir as president and daughter Carrie Muir Browne. In 2025, she received an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from for her lifetime of service. These initiatives ensure The Varsity remains a preserved emblem of 's evolving identity.

Appearances in media and events

The Varsity has been featured in several films and television productions, often serving as a backdrop to capture Atlanta's cultural landscape. In the 2006 film , directed by and starring , interior and exterior scenes were filmed at the to depict a 1970s-era during the coaches' recruitment sequences. The establishment also appeared in the series , highlighting its signature chili dogs and historical significance among America's iconic eateries. Additionally, a 2008 documentary short titled What'll Ya Have: A of the Varsity explores the restaurant's evolution alongside Atlanta's growth, narrated through archival footage and employee interviews. In literature, The Varsity has been referenced as a symbol of Southern hospitality and Atlanta's everyday life. It is mentioned in the 2013 novel Red Clay and Roses by S.K. Nicholls, where the restaurant represents a rare dining spot that served African Americans via drive-in service in 1950s Atlanta, allowing an interracial couple to share a meal outside amid the era's segregation. Dedicated histories include Janice McDonald's 2011 book The Varsity in the Images of America series, which chronicles its founding, menu evolution, and role in local traditions through photographs and anecdotes from nearly a century of operation. Another volume, What'll Ya Have: A History of The Varsity, published by the restaurant in conjunction with its anniversaries, compiles stories, recipes, and images to celebrate its family-owned legacy since 1928. The restaurant has hosted and supported major public events, underscoring its community hub status. During the in , The Varsity catered a large-scale welcome event for , serving over 27,000 attendees with its classic menu items. The Olympic torch relay also passed by the downtown location, with longtime employee Erby Walker selected to carry the flame in a ceremonial segment near the site. Its food trucks have since expanded to corporate gatherings and private parties, handling events from birthdays to large-scale functions since 2011. In and branding, The Varsity's signs have become enduring symbols in Atlanta's promotion. The iconic rooftop "V" and entrance displays, visible from the , are frequently showcased in city guides and photographic collections as quintessential landmarks, drawing visitors to experience the drive-in's retro vibe. On , the official account (@thevarsity1928) boasts over 19,000 followers as of 2025, sharing historical photos, menu tips, and event updates to engage fans and promote its heritage. Viral content on platforms like often features user-generated reviews and recreations of the famous "What'll ya have?" ordering ritual, amplifying its cultural footprint through short-form videos that garner thousands of views. Notable anecdotes highlight celebrity endorsements that have elevated The Varsity's profile. U.S. Presidents including , , , and have visited, with Obama making an impromptu 2012 stop during a campaign trip to order chili dogs for his staff. Other luminaries like , , and dined there during their stays, while comedian began his career as a in the 1940s. Athletes and actors, including stars, have also frequented the spot, as noted by longtime manager Sharel Allen. Longtime server Mrs. Dablah, who retired in 2021 after 45 years, personally attended to many of these high-profile guests, becoming a fixture in the restaurant's lore.

References

  1. https://thevarsity.com/pages/time-line
  2. https://thevarsity.com/pages/our-story
  3. https://www.atlantahistorycenter.com/exhibitions/the-varsity/
  4. https://thevarsity.com/pages/the-varsity-atlanta
  5. https://thevarsity.com/pages/locations
  6. https://www.livinghistory.gatech.edu/s/1481/45-lh/index.aspx?pgid=10021&gid=45&cid=20691
  7. https://thevarsity.com/pages/classic-menu
  8. https://thevarsity.com/pages/the-lingo
  9. https://gardenandgun.com/articles/varsity-atlanta-history/
  10. https://www.ajc.com/entertainment/dining/the-varsity-turns/jr5gVAXtsUIIBQCJyu49wI/
  11. https://www.southernthing.com/the-varsity-facts-2617500751.html
  12. https://www.redandblack.com/athensnews/five-things-to-know-about-the-varsity-on-its-90th-anniversary/article_c82a8b68-a31d-11e8-b888-b7e2b5341560.html
  13. https://accheritageroom.wordpress.com/2023/05/24/athens-oldest-restaurants/
  14. https://www.ajc.com/news/local/family-celebrates-the-varsity-with-goal-for-the-brand-survive/CC3zGsgx3sMoebTrKS5tzI/
  15. https://atlanta.eater.com/2018/8/14/17689042/the-varsity-atlanta-turns-90
  16. https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/atlanta/sanitation-next-level-how-varsity-is-working-ease-covid-19-concerns/MDYLHHV24JEYPMQCYFOTROGDIU/
  17. https://www.zoominfo.com/c/the-varsity/294027415
  18. https://www.downtownatlanta.com/restaurants/the-varsity/
  19. https://thevarsity.com/pages/hot-dogs
  20. https://thevarsity.com/pages/shakes
  21. https://thevarsity.com/pages/classic-combos
  22. https://thevarsity.com/pages/allergy-info
  23. https://roadfood.com/the-varsity/
  24. https://www.ajc.com/things-to-do/atlanta-restaurant-blog/retired-varsity-carhop-shares-63-years-of-whatll-ya-have-memories/6A2YLV7IS5C6TL7WP6MEK5WHXM/
  25. https://www.ajc.com/things-to-do/atlanta-restaurant-blog/the-varsity-launches-re-imagined-carhop-experience/YAJLXUWB4ZA5VPP7XOQJZFYTTA/
  26. https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/arts-culture/emerging-modernism-architecture-overview/varsity-wide-craig_001/
  27. https://sah-archipedia.org/buildings/GA-01-121-0070
  28. https://roughdraftatlanta.com/2022/07/07/atlantas-iconic-varsity-restaurant-looks-to-redevelop-its-parking-lots/
  29. https://sites.gsu.edu/mmolini1/2016/10/02/the-varsity-a-deconstruction-visual/
  30. https://thevarsity.com/collections/all
  31. https://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2024/02/01/varsity-restaurant-redevelopment-midtown-north-ave.html
  32. https://thevarsity.com/pages/the-varsity-timeline
  33. https://www.onlineathens.com/story/business/2021/06/21/varsity-athens-located-off-milledge-avenue-closes-its-doors/7775714002/
  34. https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/varsity-in-athens-closing-its-doors-after-90-years/85-f0afc206-71b2-4364-9f1d-5af946a3be9f
  35. https://www.yahoo.com/news/ll-ya-varsity-named-one-171938519.html
  36. https://thevarsity.com/pages/the-varsity-norcross
  37. https://thevarsity.com/pages/the-varsity-kennesaw
  38. https://thevarsity.com/pages/the-varsity-dawsonville
  39. https://www.gainesvilletimes.com/news/business-archived/varsity-jr-to-open-today-in-dawsonville/
  40. https://thevarsity.com/pages/the-varsity-winder
  41. https://thevarsity.com/pages/the-varsity-lakepoint
  42. https://www.onlineathens.com/story/news/2025/04/14/watkinsville-ga-varsity-location-is-open-see-hours-drive-thru-times/83082177007/
  43. https://thevarsity.com/
  44. https://atlanta.eater.com/2016/1/28/10858908/the-varsity-alpharetta-closing
  45. https://roughdraftatlanta.com/2018/06/29/whatll-ya-have-celebrating-90-years-of-the-varsity/
  46. https://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/subscriber-only/2017/09/01/atlantas-25-largest-restaurants.html
  47. https://roughdraftatlanta.com/2022/02/22/quick-bites-oysterfest-varsity-succession-cake-culture-pop-up-more/
  48. https://www.reinhardt.edu/news/honorary-doctorate-recognizes-a-lifetime-of-service/
  49. https://cvillebuzz.com/road-trips/the-varsity-whatll-ya-have/
  50. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt18382272/
  51. https://sknicholls.wordpress.com/2013/10/30/the-varsity-in-atlanta-a-place-that-would-serve-blacks-in-1954-outside/
  52. https://www.arcadiapublishing.com/products/the-varsity-9780738587974
  53. https://thevarsity.com/products/whatll-ya-have-a-history-of-the-varsity-book
  54. https://www.ajc.com/news/atlanta-news/the-final-day-of-atlantas-84-day-olympic-torch-relay-from-the-varsity-to-auburn-avenue/NM25CTREYNA2DALR4B72XPW6QU/
  55. https://atlanta.curbed.com/maps/atlanta-georgia-maps-signs-fox-ponce-city-market
  56. https://www.instagram.com/thevarsity1928/?hl=en
  57. https://thevarsitygeorgia.weebly.com/a-brief-history.html
  58. https://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2012/06/obama-motorcade-stops-at-worlds-largest-drive-in
  59. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5fWeVzQnZ4
  60. https://thesoutherneronline.com/91287/uncategorized/the-varsity/
  61. https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/after-45-years-of-serving-presidents-and-celebrities-the-varsity-says-goodbye-to-mrs-dablah
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