S. Truett Cathy

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

S. Truett Cathy[edit | edit source]

S. Truett Cathy was an American businessman and philanthropist, best known as the founder of the fast-food chain Chick-fil-A. Born on March 14, 1921, in Eatonton, Georgia, Cathy started his career with a small diner in Atlanta, which eventually led to the establishment of one of the most successful fast-food chains in the United States.

Early Life and Career[edit | edit source]

Cathy was born to Joseph Benjamin Cathy and Lilla James Cathy. He had a humble upbringing and started his career by opening a small diner called The Dwarf Grill in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1946. The diner, which was later renamed The Dwarf House, served as the foundation for what would later become Chick-fil-A.

Chick-fil-A[edit | edit source]

In 1967, Cathy founded Chick-fil-A, a fast-food restaurant that initially started in the food court of the Greenbriar Mall, in a suburb of Atlanta. The restaurant is known for its boneless chicken sandwich, a recipe that Cathy himself created. Today, Chick-fil-A is one of the largest fast-food chains in the United States, with more than 2,000 locations.

Philanthropy[edit | edit source]

Cathy was also known for his philanthropic efforts. In 1984, he established the WinShape Foundation, a charitable organization that provides scholarships and other educational and leadership programs for young people. The foundation also supports marriage enrichment programs and operates several foster homes.

Personal Life and Legacy[edit | edit source]

Cathy was married to Jeannette McNeil Cathy, and they had three children. He was a devout Southern Baptist and his religious beliefs played a significant role in the operation of Chick-fil-A, including the decision to close all locations on Sundays. Cathy passed away on September 8, 2014, but his legacy continues through the ongoing success of Chick-fil-A and the philanthropic work of the WinShape Foundation.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

External Links[edit | edit source]

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD