There’s A Reason The Varsity Is Called Georgia’s Most Fascinating Restaurant
Have you ever wondered what makes a restaurant so special that it grows into a true landmark? The Varsity in Atlanta is not just a place to grab a quick bite. It is a living piece of Georgia history that has been feeding generations since 1928.
From the moment you see the glowing neon signs, you know you are somewhere iconic. The fast paced energy, the famous counter calls, and the classic menu create an experience you cannot find anywhere else. Hot dogs, burgers, and fries come out quickly, but the nostalgia lingers long after the meal is over.
Families, college students, road trippers, and first time visitors all share the same space, drawn in by tradition and atmosphere. The Varsity has witnessed decades of change while staying true to what it does best. It is more than food.
It is a ritual, a memory maker, and a symbol of Atlanta that continues to capture hearts.
1. It’s Been Around Since 1928
Imagine walking into a place that your great-grandparents might have visited when they were young. The Varsity opened its doors back in 1928, making it one of the oldest fast-food restaurants in America. You can find this legendary spot at 61 North Avenue NW, Atlanta, GA 30308, right near Georgia Tech’s campus.
Frank Gordy founded this restaurant with a simple dream: serve quality food fast. He started with just a small stand and grew it into the massive operation you see today. The building has been expanded over the decades, but it still keeps that classic feel.
When you step inside, you’re not just eating at a restaurant. You’re experiencing nearly a century of Georgia history. The walls have seen generations of families, students, and celebrities pass through.
That kind of longevity doesn’t happen by accident—it takes dedication, quality, and a whole lot of heart to stay relevant for almost 100 years.
2. The Famous “What’ll Ya Have?” Greeting
Picture this: you walk up to the counter and before you can even think, someone shouts “What’ll ya have?” at you with incredible speed and energy. This isn’t rude—it’s tradition! The Varsity’s counter workers are famous for this rapid-fire greeting that has become part of the restaurant’s identity.
These employees aren’t trying to rush you. They’re keeping up with the fast-paced atmosphere that makes The Varsity special. The greeting has been used since the early days and continues to be part of the training for every new worker.
First-time visitors might feel a bit overwhelmed by the quick service style. But regulars love it because it keeps the line moving and adds to the authentic experience. You’ll find yourself smiling at the energetic way the staff calls out orders and greets customers.
It’s like being part of a well-choreographed performance where everyone knows their role perfectly.
3. The World’s Largest Drive-In Restaurant
Size matters when it comes to records, and The Varsity holds an impressive one. This restaurant can serve up to 800 cars at once in its massive parking lot, making it the world’s largest drive-in restaurant. That’s more vehicles than most parking garages can handle!
The property covers two city blocks in downtown Atlanta. When you drive up, you’ll see car hops rushing around taking orders and delivering food right to your window. It’s like stepping back in time to the golden age of American drive-in culture.
On busy game days when Georgia Tech plays at home, the parking lot fills up completely. Families park their cars, roll down their windows, and enjoy their meals while soaking in the pre-game excitement. The sheer scale of the operation is mind-blowing when you see it in person.
Managing that many customers at once requires serious organization and a well-trained team.
4. They Serve Over 30,000 People Daily
Wrapping your head around these numbers is tough, but The Varsity serves more than 30,000 people every single day. That’s like feeding the entire population of a small town! The kitchen operates like a well-oiled machine to keep up with this incredible demand.
Think about what it takes to prepare that much food. The staff has to work together perfectly, from the grill cooks to the fry station to the counter workers. Everyone has a specific job, and timing is everything.
During peak hours, especially lunch and dinner rushes, the restaurant becomes a hive of activity. Orders fly through the kitchen at lightning speed. Despite the chaos, your food arrives hot and fresh.
The efficiency of the operation is actually part of what makes visiting The Varsity so memorable. You witness a kind of organized chaos that somehow works beautifully, delivering quality food to massive crowds without breaking a sweat.
5. The Chili Dogs Are Legendary
Food lovers travel from all over just to try The Varsity’s chili dogs. These aren’t your average hot dogs—they’re piled high with homemade chili, mustard, and onions. One bite and you’ll understand why people have been ordering them for decades.
The chili recipe is a closely guarded secret that hasn’t changed since the restaurant opened. It’s perfectly seasoned with just the right amount of spice. The hot dogs themselves are grilled to perfection, giving them a slight snap when you bite into them.
You can order your chili dog “all the way” which means it comes with everything, or customize it to your liking. Many customers order multiple dogs because one is never enough. The combination of flavors—the savory chili, tangy mustard, and fresh onions—creates something truly special.
It’s comfort food at its finest, the kind of meal that brings back memories and creates new ones with every visit.
6. The Orange Frosted Drink
Forget everything you know about orange drinks because The Varsity’s Frosted Orange is in a category all by itself. This creamy, dreamy beverage tastes like a cross between an orange creamsicle and a milkshake. It’s so popular that the restaurant goes through thousands of gallons every week.
The exact recipe remains a mystery, but customers describe it as incredibly refreshing and addictive. Some people say they come to The Varsity specifically for this drink. It pairs perfectly with the greasy goodness of hot dogs and fries.
On hot Georgia summer days, sipping a Frosted Orange feels like pure heaven. The cold, smooth texture cools you down while the orange flavor wakes up your taste buds. Kids and adults alike consider it a must-have part of their Varsity experience.
Once you try it, you’ll find yourself craving it long after you’ve left Atlanta.
7. Location Near Georgia Tech Campus
Geography plays a huge role in The Varsity’s success story. Sitting right next to Georgia Tech’s campus at 61 North Avenue NW, the restaurant has fed generations of Yellow Jackets students. College kids need affordable, filling food, and The Varsity delivers exactly that.
Students have made this place their unofficial campus cafeteria since it opened. Between classes, after exams, or during late-night study breaks, you’ll find Tech students grabbing a quick meal. The proximity to campus means it’s always within walking distance.
The relationship between Georgia Tech and The Varsity goes deeper than just location. The restaurant sponsors events, supports the athletic programs, and has become woven into the fabric of campus life. Alumni who graduated decades ago still return during homecoming weekends to relive their college days with a chili dog and Frosted Orange.
That kind of emotional connection can’t be manufactured—it develops naturally over years of shared experiences.
8. Celebrity Visitors Over the Years
Walk through The Varsity and you’re following in some pretty famous footsteps. Presidents, movie stars, musicians, and athletes have all stopped by for a meal. The walls are decorated with photos showing everyone from Jimmy Carter to Taylor Swift enjoying the food.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt visited back in the 1940s during his time in office. More recently, President Barack Obama made a stop during his campaign.
These high-profile visits put The Varsity on the national map.
Sports stars especially love this place. After big games, you might spot professional athletes grabbing a late-night snack. The restaurant doesn’t make a huge fuss over celebrities—they’re treated like regular customers.
That down-to-earth attitude is part of what makes famous people feel comfortable eating here. It’s a place where everyone, regardless of status, can enjoy good food in a relaxed atmosphere. The celebrity photos aren’t about bragging—they’re about showing that great food brings everyone together.
9. The Onion Rings Are Massive
Prepare yourself for onion rings that are bigger than your hand. The Varsity doesn’t mess around when it comes to portion sizes, and their onion rings are proof. Each ring is thick, crispy, and golden brown, with a sweet onion center that’s cooked to perfection.
The batter has a special seasoning that makes these rings stand out from anything you’ve had before. They’re fried fresh throughout the day, so you always get them hot and crunchy. One order is usually enough to share, though you might not want to.
Dipping them in ketchup is popular, but some customers prefer eating them plain to appreciate the flavor. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and soft onion inside creates the perfect texture. These rings have earned their own fan club over the years.
People post photos of them on social media, trying to capture just how impressive they are in size and taste. They’re not just a side dish—they’re an experience.
10. The Unique Ordering System
Ordering at The Varsity is like learning a new language. Regular customers know the lingo—”naked dog” means a plain hot dog, “heavy weight” is a burger with extra toppings, and “walk a steak” means a hamburger to go. First-timers might feel confused, but the staff is patient.
This coded language developed naturally over decades as a way to speed up communication between customers and kitchen staff. When things get busy, using shorthand helps everyone work faster. The counter workers can translate your regular English into Varsity-speak.
Learning the slang becomes part of the fun. You’ll hear experienced customers rattling off their orders like they’re speaking a secret code. Kids especially enjoy figuring out what different phrases mean.
The ordering system adds character to the whole experience, making you feel like an insider once you master it. It’s one more way The Varsity stands apart from modern fast-food chains with their standardized, corporate approaches to customer service.
11. The TV Room Experience
Upstairs at The Varsity, you’ll find something unexpected—a dedicated TV room where sports fans gather to watch games. This isn’t just any dining area; it’s a sports bar atmosphere without the bar. Multiple screens show different games simultaneously, creating an electric atmosphere during football season.
Georgia Tech fans especially love this space on game days. The room fills up with people wearing yellow and white, cheering together as they watch their team. The energy is contagious, even if you’re not a huge sports fan.
Families often head upstairs to escape the hustle and bustle of the main dining room. The TV room offers a slightly quieter environment while still maintaining The Varsity’s unique character. You can relax in a booth, enjoy your meal, and catch up on the latest sports action.
It’s like having your own personal sports lounge, complete with the best fast food in Atlanta delivered right to your table.
12. The Iconic Red and Yellow Color Scheme
Before you even taste the food, the colors grab your attention. The Varsity’s bold red and yellow color scheme is instantly recognizable throughout Atlanta. These bright, cheerful colors appear everywhere—on the building exterior, the signs, the trays, and even the uniforms.
Frank Gordy chose these colors deliberately back in the 1920s. Red and yellow are known to stimulate appetite and create feelings of happiness and energy. The psychological effect works perfectly for a fast-food restaurant.
When you see those colors from the highway, you know exactly where you are. The branding has remained consistent for nearly 100 years, which is rare in the restaurant business. Modern chains constantly redesign their looks, but The Varsity understands that classic never goes out of style.
The red and yellow have become so associated with the restaurant that they’re practically trademarked in people’s minds. Taking a photo at The Varsity means capturing those signature colors that have defined Atlanta dining for generations.
13. Multiple Locations Across Georgia
Success breeds expansion, and The Varsity has grown beyond its original Atlanta location. You can now find Varsity restaurants in several Georgia cities, including Athens, Kennesaw, and Dawsonville. Each location maintains the same quality and atmosphere that made the original famous.
The Athens location near the University of Georgia campus serves Bulldogs fans who want the same experience their Yellow Jacket rivals enjoy. The Kennesaw location brings The Varsity experience to the suburbs. Dawsonville’s location sits near the North Georgia Premium Outlets, perfect for shoppers needing a meal break.
While the original 61 North Avenue location in Atlanta remains the flagship, these other spots let more Georgians enjoy the iconic food. Each restaurant trains its staff in the traditional Varsity way, ensuring consistency. You’ll get the same “What’ll ya have?” greeting and the same great chili dogs no matter which location you visit.
The expansion proves that The Varsity’s appeal extends far beyond downtown Atlanta—it’s truly a statewide treasure.
14. A Family Legacy Spanning Generations
Behind every great restaurant is a great story, and The Varsity’s is all about family. Frank Gordy started this business in 1928, and his descendants continue running it today. That kind of family dedication is increasingly rare in the modern restaurant industry.
Nancy Simms, Frank Gordy’s daughter, took over operations after her father passed away. She maintained his vision while modernizing certain aspects of the business. The current generation of Gordys now manages the restaurants, keeping the family tradition alive.
Family ownership matters because it means decisions are made with long-term thinking, not just quarterly profits. The Gordys care deeply about maintaining quality and tradition because their name is on every building. Employees often work at The Varsity for decades, creating their own family atmosphere among the staff.
This continuity shows in every aspect of the operation. When you eat at The Varsity, you’re supporting a family business that has stayed true to its roots for nearly a century. That’s something worth celebrating in today’s corporate-dominated food landscape.
