Just the name The Varsity can set generations of mouths watering. What
started in 1928 as one man's efforts to bring affordable food to
students, grew quickly into a fast food institution. The world's largest
drive-in since the 1950s, The Varsity's menu has changed little since
Frank Gordy opened its doors near downtown Atlanta. It has set records
for its vast quantities of hot dogs, hamburgers, onion rings, and fried
pies served daily. Gordy was a visionary in developing both the food he
served and how he served it. It is impossible to imagine the countless
numbers who have enjoyed a heavy dog walking (hotdog with extra chili to
go) or an F.O. (frosted orange shake) over the decades. The Varsity is
also where the term carhop was first used. Servers hopped on the running
boards of cars in an effort to get the orders in quickly.