Grieving the loss of our founder Truett Cathy, who passed away today. Please keep the Cathys in your prayers. pic.twitter.com/6LnjkysI8l
— Chick-fil-A, Inc. (@ChickfilA) September 8, 2014
The conservative Christian founder of Chick-Fil-A died on September 8 at the grand old age of 93. Truett Cathy’s death was first announced via a tweet from his company.
Here’s what you need to know about this conservative maverick:
1. His Restaurants Are as Famous for Christianity as They are for Food
Cathy pictured in 2008 receiving a Lifetime President’s Volunteer Service Award in April 2008. (Getty)
Through his Christian philosophies, Chick-Fil-A
became a unique restaurant in America’s fast food consciousness. His restaurants were as famous for being closed on Sundays and playing Christian music as they were for their chicken sandwiches.
2. His Son Started a Political Firestorm in 2012
(Getty)
In 2012, through his son, Dan, the company faced a media firestorm over comments Dan Cathy made about gay marriage. While the chicken purveyor was boycotted by some, many Christians rallied to dine to at the restaurants.
Sad to hear of Truett Cathy’s passing. He was a great American entrepreneur who treated his employees well. @ChickfilA
— Speaker John Boehner (@SpeakerBoehner) September 8, 2014
3. The First Chick-Fil-A Opened in 1967
(Getty)
Truett Cathy opened the first Chick-Fil-A in Atlanta in 1967. It’s considered to be America’s first fast food chicken restaurant. In 2013, the country passed KFC as the country’s favorite chicken fast food place. There are 1,800 stores in 40 states.
4. His Net Worth Was Around $6.3 Billion
(Getty)
Forbes valued Cathy at $6.3 billion in 2013, this makes him among the top 75 richest Americans. In December 2013, the Cathy’s expanded to opening a seafood style restaurant in Fayetteville, Georgia.
5. Cathy Was a Self-Help Author
He has written numerous self-help books, including “It’s Easier to Succeed Than to Fail,” “How Did You Do It, Truett?” and “Wealth, Is It Worth It?”
