The Varsity: Cruise on in to 'world's largest drive-in'
Published: Feb 17, 2009
"What'll ya have? What'll ya have? What'll ya have?" You'd better have an answer to that famous question, because if you don't it's nearly guaranteed that other customers behind you at the counter will speak up at The Varsity.
The landmark Atlanta drive-in/dine-in began in 1928 as a $2,000 pipedream for Frank Gordy -- a Georgia Institute of Technology student, turned restaurant entrepreneur. His tiny business, was originally called "The Yellow Jacket" and catered mostly to college students. But as he gained a reputation for fresh ingredients and good food, the business expanded to North Avenue and changed its name to "The Varsity."
Today, The Varsity -- still situated on North Avenue next to the "Downtown Connector" -- is known as the "world's largest drive-in." Since its renovation in 1940 and current two-story expansion (covering two acres directly across from the Georgia Tech campus) the famous drive-in can hold up to 600 vehicles and 800 patrons.
And the restaurant cranks out a impressive volume of food. Every day it sells about two miles of hot dogs, 2,500 pounds of potatoes, a ton of onions, and 5,000 fried pies.
But even that doesn't seem like enough when you consider that over 30,000 people often place orders on Georgia Tech game days.
The Varsity has become so famous for its fast food that special lingo was created just for it. A "heavy weight" is a hot dog with extra chili; a "bag of rags" is an order of potato chips, a "glorified steak" is a hamburger with mayo, lettuce and tomato; and an "F.O." is the Varsity's famous Frosted Orange drink (a orange creme slush).
Presidents and celebrities have dined on The Varsity's no-nonsense atmosphere and Southern ball park food. And today people can hear, "What'll ya have?" in six locations throughout North Georgia, including the flagship store.
So, next time you're asked, "What'll ya have?" You're going to say...
- by Christine Foster, Atlanta Reporter for HelloMetro
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