Varsity, ‘World’s Largest Drive-In,’ Celebrates 90 Years In Atlanta
The Varsity is known for its chili dogs, frosted orange drinks and sharp red and white “V” logo.
The Midtown location at the corner of North Avenue and Spring Street also claims to be the world’s largest drive-in restaurant. The Atlanta landmark is celebrating its 90th anniversary in Midtown on Saturday.
Varsity employee and Atlanta native Louis Frank Jones is 87 years old, but still quick on his feet.
“Hi y’all welcome to the Varsity. What’ll ya have, what’ll ya have, what’ll ya have?” Jones says to greet customers. All employees are instructed to greet customers with its signature question: “What’ll ya have?”
Jones has been taking orders as a carhop for more than 60 years at this original Varsity by the I-85 expressway.
“Things look about the same. There’s nothing that changed about this place,” Jones said. “It’ll remodel a couple times, but that’s about all.”
Outside there’s space for 600 cars. Unlike a drive-through, customers drive in up to eight red pillars where a carhop like Jones walks up to their window and takes their order. Inside there’s space for more than 800 people, where you can sit on school desks and diner booths.
Regional manager Terry Brookshire said the business thrives because it’s not changing.
“Some of our best moments is when a customer says I was here 30 years ago and it tastes exactly the way I remember it, it’s just as good,” Brookshire said. “And the atmosphere is the same. It hasn’t changed. So that’s what we’re going for.”
Since founder Frank Gordy first opened this Midtown location in 1928, the Varsity has expanded to other college towns like Athens and Kennesaw. It remains a Georgia family-owned business, and the Midtown Varsity has become a piece of living history.
“For a lot of folks if they’re bringing someone new to Atlanta, they want to bring them to the Varsity, or if it’s a politician and they’re campaigning, they want to come to the local spot, and for Atlanta, that’s the Varsity,” Brookshire said.
John Simon of the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, area has been coming to the Varsity for about 50 years for its burgers and french fries. He first visited the Varsity in 1969 when the Army stationed him in Atlanta.
“I was amazed at how large it was even back then,” Simon said.
He now brings his grandchildren when they come to the city.
In honor of its 90th birthday, Varsity restaurant officials have announced that everything on its menu will be 90 cents at its Midtown location on Saturday.
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