I would just like to start by thanking you for opening one of the greatest corporations ever, being so selfless, and for keeping morals as high as your standards (which are VERY HIGH). Although Mr. Cathy is no longer with us his legacy will forever leave a footprint in our hearts.

Original Dwarf House

Before Mr. Cathy opened what is now known as Chick-fil-A he first opened a 24-hour diner originally called the Dwarf Grill due to its small size. This restaurant was opened in Hapeville, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta, in 1946 and still stands today!

The First Chick-fil-A

It all began in Greenbriar Mall in Atlanta (because great things always come from Atlanta). Mr. Cathy was praised for his pioneering idea of the food-court concept in malls. There was only 384 square feet of space for the entire restaurant, but that did not stop it from being successful.

The First Free Standing Unit

Have you ever noticed the little FSU at the top of your receipt? I did not realize until I started working at Chick-fil-A it actually means Free Standing Unit. Mr. Cathy, being a smart businessman, started with a small restaurant in a crowded mall before opening a building standing on its own in Atlanta in 1989. I thank him every day for giving me that glorious chicken sandwich (no pickles, please).

Not only Chicken

Not only does Mr. Cathy have a gift with restaurants and chicken, but he is also a family man. Though Mr. Cathy worked hard his entire life he never forgot his true loves: his family and Jesus. His wife, Jan Cathy worked alongside him day after day. His eldest son, Dan Cathy, now is the CEO of Chick-fil-A after Mr. Cathy’s passing. It's not the amount of money in the bank to make a family strong, but the amount of love in their hearts. This family had a lot of love and followed the Lord through everything and God blessed them substantially because of it.

Loyalty

More than a thank you for opening THE GREATEST fast food chain EVER: thank you for being the caring, loyal man you are. Loyal to all of your guest. Saying “my pleasure” is something Mr. Cathy did to show loyalty to his guest. If you have not noticed already at Chick-fil-A we serve GUEST, not costumes. Everyone who walks into Chick-fil-A should feel welcomed. That is how Mr. Cathy was to all of his guests. When Mr. Cathy said my pleasure he meant it, because the guest comes first. Our guest is the ones that keep us having jobs, so why not treat them like we respect them? Mr. Cathy has taught me to get anywhere in life you need faith, family, and MANNERS! One thing I hear all the time about Chick-fil-A employees is how well they treat you and how nice they are.

Following His Footsteps

Mr. Cathy is no longer with us, but we can still live the life like he did. Mr. Cathy was a hard worker who lived a great life devoted to Jesus, his guest, and his family. Without Mr. Cathy taking a leap of faith, I do not know where I would be today. Thank you, Mr. Cathy and family, for all y’all do. Keep making chicken delicious, cows who are not able to spell, and sharing your love with all your GUEST you SERVE.