S. Truett Cathy – the founder of Chick-fil-A – died Monday at 1:35 a.m. He was 93.
Cathy died surrounded by loved ones. The businessman started Chick-fil-A as a small diner in 1946 on the outskirts of Atlanta, in Hapeville, and built the brand into a corporation with more than 1,800 restaurants. He spent four years creating the ingredients for his famous fried, boneless chicken sandwich, which he began selling in 1961.
Chick-fil-A opened its first store in Greenbriar Mall in 1967.
The Chick-fil-A founder was born Samuel Truett Cathy in 1921. Cathy is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jeannette McNeil Cathy; sons Dan T. and Don “Bubba” Cathy; daughter Trudy Cathy White; 19 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
Two public viewings and a public funeral service are scheduled for Cathy, although dates and times have not yet been finalized.
Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed tweeted the following:
Our city is saddened by the loss of Truett Cathy, founder of GA’s own @ChickfilA. His legacy will live on through his family and good works.
— Kasim Reed (@KasimReed) September 8, 2014
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