Yet, through rain and shine, their drive-thrus overflow with devoted customers, while Twitter erupts in equal measures of praise and protest.

Indeed, each decision in the Cathy family's boardroom has rippled through American culture, from the famous, My Pleasure, that transformed customer service, to the controversial Sunday closures that cost billions, yet somehow made them stronger.

In today's episode, we invite you to take a seat with us at a $33 billion table with the Cathy family as they build their massive chicken empire, where a simple pressure fryer in Georgia sparked a revolution in American fast food, as we describe, the $33 billion dynasty that owns Chick-fil-A.

The Cathy family, notably of Chick-fil-A, has pulled off what might be the most remarkable feat in American fast food history.

They've amassed a staggering $33.6 billion fortune by 2024, and they've done it while telling customers they can't have their chicken one day a week.

And, let's be brutally honest here, when you're turning away an estimated $1.2 billion in annual sales by closing every Sunday, you'd better have something extraordinary to offer the other six days.

And many would say they do.

The scenes outside their restaurants are absolutely mental, cars queued for miles, dining rooms packed to the rafters, and staff who actually seem pleased to serve you with their famous my-pleasure mantra.

Now, the secret sauce is laughably simple, really.

Exceptional food, service that puts their competitors to shame, and a menu that isn't trying to be everything to everyone.

They're absolutely crushing McDonald's in per-store sales, despite having fewer locations and shorter hours.

Their chicken sandwich isn't just food, it's become a cultural phenomenon that's got social media in an absolute tizzy.

Now, while they're absolutely dominating the US market, they've only just dipped their toes into international waters with ventures in Canada and Puerto Rico.

It's a conservative approach that's kept their standards impeccably high.

Of course, there's been controversy.

There always is with success this massive.

Their stance on same-sex marriage and certain charitable donations have landed them in hot water.

But here's the thing, they've stuck to their guns, come hell or high water, even when it's caused an absolute media frenzy.

In totality, the Cathy family's story is nothing short of extraordinary.

They've built a multi-billion dollar empire from a single chicken sandwich, all while refusing to compromise their beliefs.

Yet, perhaps even more ironically, this story begins in the most unlikely of places, a small diner in Georgia, where one family's unwavering conviction would reshape the entire fast food landscape.

The story of Chick-fil-A begins in the small town of Eatonton, Georgia, where Samuel Truett Cathy was born on the 14th of March, 1921.

Growing up during the Great Depression, Truett experienced the hardships of financial instability firsthand.

His father worked sporadically as a farmer and insurance salesman, while his mother ran a boarding house to help make ends meet.

This environment of necessity and resourcefulness instilled in Truett a strong work ethic and an early understanding of customer service.

As a young boy, Truett often helped his mother prepare meals and interact with boarders, learning the value of hard work and hospitality.

After graduating high school, he served in the U.S.

Army during World War II.

Upon returning, Truett, alongside his brother Ben, sought to channel their entrepreneurial ambitions into the restaurant business.

In 1946, they opened the Dwarf Grill in Hapeville, Georgia, a modest diner situated near a bustling Ford Motor Company plant.

The Dwarf Grill, later renamed the Dwarf House, was a reflection of Truett's culinary vision.

Quality food served with genuine care.

The diner quickly became a local favorite, known for its welcoming atmosphere and hearty Southern fare.

It was here that Truett began experimenting with recipes, seeking to create menu items that would stand out in the competitive restaurant landscape.

The pivotal moment came in 1964 when Truett developed the recipe for what would become the Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich.

Using a pressure fryer and a secret blend of seasonings, he created a boneless chicken sandwich served with pickles on a buttered bun.

While he did not invent the chicken sandwich, a claim often associated with the Cathy family, Truett's version was distinct and resonated with customers.

Before opening a stand-alone restaurant, he began licensing the sandwich to other diners and restaurants, which proved to be a successful strategy for building brand recognition.

In 1967, Truett took a bold step by opening the first Chick-fil-A restaurant in Atlanta's Greenbrier Shopping Center, a location carefully chosen for its high foot traffic.

This marked the beginning of Chick-fil-A as a fast food brand distinct from the diner model of the Dwarf House.

Truett's decision to launch his restaurant in a shopping center, a relatively new retail concept at the time, was innovative and set a precedent for future expansions.

From its inception, Chick-fil-A operated on principles that distinguished it from its competitors.

Truett prioritized customer service, emphasizing that employees should treat customers with the same care and respect they would a guest in their home.

The company also maintained the closed-on-Sunday policy, a practice that had originated with the Dwarf House and reflected Truett's religious convictions.

Despite concerns that this policy might limit revenue, it became a defining aspect of the Chick-fil-A brand and a testament to the family's commitment to their values.

The early years of Chick-fil-I were not without challenges.

Convincing shopping center operators to host a restaurant that closed on Sundays required perseverance.

Skeptics questioned whether the brand could succeed in a crowded fast food market, especially with its unconventional operating model.

Yet, Truett's focus on quality, service, and consistency proved to be a winning formula.

As the 1970s rolled in, expansion would bring both more success and more controversy, as we'll see in the next chapter.

By the 1970s, Chick-fil-A had already laid the groundwork for success, but it was the company's innovative strategies and steadfast adherence to its principles that propelled it to unprecedented heights.

Under the leadership of S.

Truett Cathy, Chick-fil-A began to transition from a regional favorite into a national powerhouse, leveraging a combination of innovative business practices, an unyielding focus on customer service, and strategic growth initiatives.

A cornerstone of Chick-fil-A's strategy was its emphasis on franchise ownership.

Unlike many fast food chains that prioritized rapid expansion, Chick-fil-A adopted a highly selective franchising approach.

Prospective franchisees underwent rigorous evaluations to ensure alignment with the company's core values, particularly its commitment to quality and service.

This selective strategy allowed Chick-fil-A to maintain consistent operations across its growing number of locations while fostering a sense of ownership and pride among operators.

The 1980s marked significant growth for Chick-fil-A, including the introduction of nuggets in 1982 and waffle fries in 1985.

These menu items became instant favorites and contributed to the chain's growing popularity.

In 1993, the company opened its first drive-thru only location in Greenville, South Carolina, demonstrating its willingness to adapt to changing consumer preferences.

This expansion into drive-thru service allowed Chick-fil-A to cater to the increasing demand for convenience without compromising its emphasis on quality.

One of the most notable achievements during this era was the launch of the Eat More Chicken campaign, featuring clever and mischievous cows advocating for customers to choose chicken over beef.

While the exact launch date of the campaign is uncertain, it became synonymous with the Chick- fil-A brand in the 1990s and solidified its reputation for humorous and impactful advertising.

The campaign's success turned the cow mascots into cultural icons, appearing on billboards, television commercials, and promotional merchandise.

The Windshape Foundation, established in 1984, was another key element of Chick-fil-A's legacy.

Initially focused on providing college scholarships, the foundation expanded its mission over time to include foster homes, summer camps, and leadership programs.

This commitment to philanthropy reflected Truett Cathy's belief that business should serve as a force for good in society.

Windshape's initiatives provided opportunities for countless young people and demonstrated the Cathy family's dedication to giving back to their community.

While Chick-fil-A's closed-on-Sunday policy was already in place from the company's founding in 1946, it continued to draw attention as the brand expanded into new markets.

Critics viewed the policy as a potential revenue loss, while supporters admired it as a symbol of the company's adherence to its principles.

Regardless of differing opinions, the policy became a defining characteristic of Chick-fil-A's identity and contributed to its reputation as a values-driven business.

Although historical data on average unit volume, AUV, is limited, Chick-fil-A's on providing exceptional customer service and high-quality food established a solid foundation for long-term success.

This approach laid the groundwork for the company's eventual rise as a leader in AUV among fast-food chains, even if this dominance did not emerge until later.

By the end of the 20th century, Chick-fil-A had proven that it was possible to thrive in the competitive fast-food industry without sacrificing core values or quality.

As the company entered the 21st century, it faced new challenges and opportunities that would further shape its legacy.

As Chick-fil-A grew from a regional favorite into a national presence, its rapid expansion and deeply ingrained values inevitably sparked controversies that tested the resolve of the Cathy family and the company's brand.

These challenges, ranging from public backlash to operational hurdles, have played a crucial role in shaping the company's journey.

One of the most significant sources of contention emerged in the 2010s when Chick-fil-A's corporate donations and public statements about same-sex marriage rights drew national attention.

The controversy began in 2012 when CEO Dan Cathy, based on biblical principles, publicly stated his belief in the traditional definition of marriage during an interview.

These comments, combined with donations from Chick-fil-A's charitable foundation to organizations opposing same-sex marriage, led to widespread criticism and calls for boycotts.

The backlash was swift and polarizing.

LGBTQ advocacy groups and allies accused the company of promoting discriminatory practices, while conservative supporters rallied in its defense, often organizing events like Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day to show their support.

The controversy extended beyond social discourse into the political arena, with some cities and college campuses attempting to block Chick-fil-A from opening new locations.

In 2019, Chick-fil-A announced changes to its charitable giving strategy, stating it would focus on causes such as education, homelessness, and hunger.

However, the company did not explicitly pledge to stop all donations to faith-based organizations, leading to continued scrutiny from critics and supporters alike.

Additionally, Chick-fil-A's international expansion efforts also encountered significant challenges.

While the company's move into Canada generated excitement, it also faced protests and controversy over its past donations and social stance.

Demonstrations occurred at some locations, with activists calling for boycotts and raising questions about the company's compatibility with local political changes.

Additionally, Chick-fil-A's earlier expansion into South Africa in the 1990s failed primarily due to a lack of brand awareness rather than the cultural differences or market competition initially cited.

These experiences underscore the complexities of bringing an established brand into new and unfamiliar territories.

The company's emphasis on drive-thru service and digital ordering proved to be an advantage during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing Chick-fil-A to adapt more quickly than many competitors.

Labor-related criticisms have also posed challenges for the company.

Like many fast-food chains, Chick-fil-A has faced allegations of low wages and demanding work environments.

Some employees have voiced concerns about limited opportunities for advancement and insufficient benefits, highlighting areas for improvement within the organization.

And while Chick-fil-A's closed-on-Sunday policy remains a defining feature of its brand, it has occasionally created logistical challenges in high-traffic areas such as airports and shopping centers.

The policy, rooted in the Cathy family's religious beliefs, continues to be a double-edged sword, admired by some for its adherence to values, yet criticized by others for potential lost revenue.

Regardless, it remains an enduring symbol of the company's commitment to its founding principles.

And Chick-fil-A's reputation for customer satisfaction has played a crucial role in its success.

The company has often received high ratings in customer satisfaction surveys thanks to its focus on service and quality.

However, the use of consistently must be tempered with an acknowledgement that satisfaction can vary across locations and time periods, as some surveys have indicated.

Through these controversies and challenges, the Cathy family has remained steadfast in its vision for Chick-fil-A as a values-driven business.

In the next chapter, we'll give you the final scorecard and update on their business, and be on our way.

In 2025, Chick-fil-A continues to hold a commanding position in the fast-food industry, underpinned by its family-centric values and strategic vision.

The Cathy family, central to the brand's success, oversees a privately held company renowned for operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and unique cultural impact.

Chick-fil-A has consistently outperformed competitors in terms of average unit volume.

It's not merely ahead of many fast-food giants, it leads the pack.

The company's international expansion efforts have been notable, with Canada and Puerto Rico being key markets.

Plans for further growth include entering Europe and Asia, with a goal to establish a presence in five international markets by 2030.

These strategic moves underscore Chick-fil-A's aim to transcend its status as an American institution and make a mark on the global stage.

The closed-on-Sunday policy remains a defining feature of the brand, reflecting its commitment to values over pure commercial gain.

While this decision may invite questions about lost revenue opportunities, it is widely regarded as a hallmark of Chick-fil-A's commitment to its founding principles.

There is no indication that this policy is currently viewed as controversial or outdated, contrary to earlier speculations.

Instead, it continues to resonate positively with many customers who appreciate the emphasis on work-life balance and faith-driven business practices.

The Windshape Foundation, a philanthropic arm established in 1984, highlights the Cathy family's dedication to giving back.

Initially focused on college scholarships, the foundation has expanded its scope to include foster homes, youth camps, and other charitable initiatives.

These efforts have cemented the family's reputation as leaders who prioritize community impact alongside business growth.

Thus, from its humble beginnings as a single diner in Georgia to its current stature as a leader in the fast-food industry, the brand has proven its ability to innovate while staying true to its roots and weathering the storms of controversy.

Whether it's through pioneering customer service, redefining operational standards, or maintaining its deeply ingrained values, Chick-fil-A has carved a unique and enduring place in the hearts of its customers.

And now, we'd love to see you in the comments.

What is your opinion of Chick-fil-A's famous policies?

Do you find them to be a great example of sticking to your principles regardless of the current political climate?

Or is it a step too far and not changing with the times?

We look forward to hearing your thoughts.

And thanks for joining us for another episode of Old Money Luxury.

Cheers, until next time. you