Chick-Fil-A Find a restaurant Menu Stories About Who We Are Great Food Giving Back History Selected S. Truett Cathy Brands Careers Chick-fil-A One ( Sign In ) Search Order food Due to global supply chain challenges, some menu items may be unavailable or prepared differently. We apologize for the inconvenience. History “We change the world, and ourselves, by our response to unexpected opportunities.” S.TRUETT CATHY 1921 — 2014 Company history Dwarf Grill Original Chicken Sandwich Corporate Headquarters First free-standing Chick-fil-A restaurant "Eat Mor Chikin" Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl $2 Billion Advertising Walk of Fame Truett Passes Away at 93 Chick-fil-A opens in New York City 1946: Dwarf Grill Truett Cathy opens his original diner, the Dwarf Grill, in the Atlanta suburb of Hapeville (later renamed Dwarf House®) S. Truett Cathy 1921-2014 Chick-fil-A, Inc., Founder S. Truett Cathy died Sept. 8, 2014, at age 93. Cathy started the business in 1946, when he and his brother, Ben, opened an Atlanta diner known as The Dwarf Grill (later renamed The Dwarf House®). Through the years, that restaurant prospered and led Cathy to further the success of his business. In 1967, Cathy founded and opened the first Chick-fil-A restaurant in Atlanta's Greenbriar Shopping Center. Today, Chick-fil-A has the highest same-store sales and is the largest quick-service chicken restaurant chain in the United States based on annual system-wide sales. Cathy’s family has continued his tradition of leadership, including his son Dan, who was appointed as the company’s CEO in 2013, and grandson Andrew, who serves as the current Chick-fil-A CEO. Cathy was the author of six books and was a committed philanthropist dedicated to making a difference in the lives of youth. He was the recipient of countless awards over the years, both for his business acumen and for his charity. With his wife of 65 years, Jeannette McNeil Cathy, he led a life that was centered on biblical principles and family, and is survived by his sons Dan T. and Don "Bubba" Cathy; daughter Trudy Cathy White; 12 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. Truett's legacy A life centered on family Family was always central to Truett Cathy's life and would shape his unique approach to business later in life. With his wife of 65 years, Jeannette, he had three children: Trudy, Don "Bubba", and Dan. The current generation of the Cathy family honors Truett's legacy and continues to put his principles into action in both business and philanthropy. Read more A deep love for customers Truett Cathy always maintained he wasn't in the chicken business, but the people business. From knowing his customers by name, to forming lifelong friendships with his employees, Cathy viewed his business as more than a source of revenue for him and his family; it was a source of encouragement to others. Read more A heart for employees Truett Cathy had a special place in his heart for his employees. He believed -- as we still do -- that giving people the opportunities they need to succeed helps all of us prosper. Truett never went to college himself. That's why since 1973, Chick-fil-A has given more than $35 million in college scholarships to Chick-fil-A restaurant team members wishing to pursue higher education. Read more Growth From New York City to Los Angeles, Chick-fil-A restaurants span the country from coast to coast. Now in 47 states and counting, we're joining new communities nearly every week. Learn more about Chick-fil-A future openings A sweet surprise When whoops becomes wonderful Follow Sam and her friend CeCe as they learn the best gifts are the ones you least expect. Watch this year's holiday short film Nutrition & Allergens Contact us Careers Franchising Merchandise Press Room Do business with us Terms and Conditions of Use Privacy Policy Cookie and Internet-Based Advertising Policy Cookie Preference Center Accessibility Locations listing Legal © 2021 CFA Properties, Inc. All rights reserved. Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube LinkedIn Just a heads up that we’ve updated our Cookie Preference Center. We invite you to click “Cookie Preference Center” below to manage, update or re-confirm your cookie preference settings. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. To learn more, please see ourCookie Policy Cookie Preference Center Accept Cookies