Chick Fil-A Founder S. Truett Cathy Has Died

Chick Fil-A

ATLANTA – A spokesman says S. Truett Cathy, who started a postwar diner in Atlanta that grew into the Chick-fil-A restaurant chain, has died. He was 93.

Chick-fil-A spokesman Mark Baldwin tells The Associated Press Cathy died early Monday at home surrounded by family members.

For decades, Cathy’s fast food restaurants have offered a taste of the South, from chicken sandwiches to sweet tea and biscuits and gravy. The chain also is known for its Bible Belt observance of Sunday – none of its more than 1,800 restaurants in 39 states and Washington, D.C. are open on that day to allow employees a day of rest.

Cathy’s $6 billion fortune as the founder of Chick-fil-A put him on the yearly Forbes magazine list of the wealthiest Americans in the country.