Who Owns The Varsity in Atlanta? A Local’s Guide to the Iconic Drive-In

If you’ve lived in Atlanta for more than about five minutes, you’ve probably heard of The Varsity. It’s the massive red-and-white drive-in downtown with chili dogs, onion rings, and the famous “What’ll ya have?” greeting.

But who actually owns The Varsity in Atlanta today—and is it still a local, family-run spot?

Short Answer: Who Owns The Varsity in Atlanta?

The Varsity in Atlanta is privately owned and has traditionally been run by the founding Gordy family.

While the original founder, Frank Gordy, passed away years ago, the business has remained under family and private ownership, rather than being sold off to a national chain or outside corporate group.

For Atlanta residents and visitors, this means The Varsity is still very much a locally rooted, family-controlled institution, even though it has grown into a sizable brand with multiple locations in the metro area.

A Quick History of Ownership

Understanding who owns The Varsity today makes more sense when you know how it started.

From One Stand to an Atlanta Landmark

• The Varsity was founded in 1928 by Frank Gordy, originally as a small hot dog stand near Georgia Tech.
• Over time, it expanded into the world’s largest drive-in restaurant, covering multiple blocks in Downtown Atlanta.
• Throughout this growth, the restaurant stayed privately held, not franchised or sold to a big public company.

After Frank Gordy’s death, operational control and ownership passed to his family and close leadership team, who have continued to run The Varsity as a family-driven enterprise based in Atlanta.

Is The Varsity a Chain or Franchise?

If you’ve driven around metro Atlanta, you may have seen Varsity locations outside downtown and wondered if it’s a franchise.

How The Varsity’s Locations Are Run

The Varsity operates multiple locations in the Atlanta area, most notably:

• Downtown Atlanta (the original, flagship location)
• Varsity Jr.-style or smaller locations in nearby areas and suburbs over the years

These locations are typically:

• Company-owned or family-owned branches rather than independently franchised out to unrelated operators.
• Managed under the same brand standards, menu style, and overall leadership.

So while you might see several places with the Varsity name, they’re still part of an internal network, not a national franchise brand owned by many separate franchisees.

Why Local Ownership Matters to Atlantans

For people in Atlanta, who owns The Varsity isn’t just a trivia question—it connects to how the restaurant feels and operates in the city.

1. Strong Ties to Atlanta Institutions

The Varsity’s ownership has intentionally kept it close to local culture:

• Long-standing connection to Georgia Tech and Downtown Atlanta
• Regular presence in local traditions like game-day crowds, school visits, and family outings
• Recognition as a kind of unofficial Atlanta landmark

Because it’s still privately and locally controlled, decisions about branding, menu, and locations tend to reflect Atlanta tastes and nostalgia, rather than a distant corporate agenda.

2. Consistent “Varsity Experience”

Locals know The Varsity for:

• The classic “What’ll ya have?” shouted by counter staff
• Simple, greasy-spoon favorites like chili dogs, F.O.s (frosted oranges), and onion rings
• A fast, loud, and casual dining atmosphere

Family, private ownership has generally meant the core Varsity identity hasn’t drastically changed over time, even as Atlanta has modernized.

Where Is the Main Varsity in Atlanta Located?

If you’re trying to visit the flagship location owned and operated under the main Varsity leadership, you’re probably looking for the Downtown Atlanta site.

Downtown Atlanta Flagship

• The Varsity – Downtown Atlanta
  61 North Avenue NW
  Atlanta, GA 30308

This is the huge, multi-building location near:

• Georgia Tech’s main campus
• The intersection of North Avenue and Spring Street
• A short drive from Midtown and Downtown attractions

This flagship spot is the heart of the brand and the best reflection of the family-run legacy.

How Ownership Affects What You’ll Experience as a Customer

Knowing that The Varsity is still privately owned and locally rooted helps set expectations when you visit.

What Stays the Same Over Time

Because there’s no massive national parent company pushing constant change, you can generally expect:

• A stable core menu of hot dogs, burgers, rings, and classic drinks
• The same style of ordering—fast-paced, counter service with loud, energetic staff
• A focus on high volume and speed, especially before events or games

For many Atlantans, that consistency is part of why The Varsity is still a go-to spot for out-of-town visitors and nostalgic locals.

What May Change Over the Years

Even with family or private ownership, The Varsity can and does make business decisions such as:

• Updating or closing certain satellite locations in metro Atlanta
• Adjusting menu items based on demand and cost
• Renovating facilities or updating equipment

These are normal shifts you’d see with any long-running local business, but the core identity generally stays anchored to its Atlanta roots.

Common Questions Atlantans Ask About Varsity Ownership

Is The Varsity owned by a big national restaurant corporation?

No. The Varsity is not owned by a large national restaurant chain. It is privately held, historically by the Gordy family and their leadership team, and remains an Atlanta-based brand.

Is it still a family business?

While the exact internal structure can evolve over time, The Varsity is widely understood to be family-connected and locally controlled, not a detached corporate brand. Leadership has stayed connected to the founder’s family and original legacy.

Did The Varsity get sold or bought out?

There is no public information indicating that The Varsity became part of a major national conglomerate. It continues to operate as a standalone, privately owned Atlanta restaurant company.

Simple Ownership Snapshot for Atlanta Consumers

How to Use This Information as an Atlanta Resident or Visitor

If you care about supporting locally rooted institutions, The Varsity still fits that category:

• It’s a homegrown Atlanta business with nearly a century of history in the city.
• Ownership has stayed private and family-connected, rather than shifting to a distant national corporation.
• Visiting the Downtown Atlanta location lets you experience the restaurant most directly tied to the original owners and legacy.

Whether you’re taking an out-of-town friend for their first chili dog or revisiting a childhood favorite, you’re still stepping into a restaurant that’s owned and shaped by people tied closely to Atlanta, not just another anonymous national chain.