Inside QSR
The Varsity in Atlanta has served Carter, Bush, Clinton, Obama, and Trump — a distinction no other fast-food restaurant in America can document. Here is the 98-year history of how a drive-in restaurant became a presidential tradition.
By Justin K. Sellers · 12 min read · February 27, 2026
On February 19, 2026, President Donald Trump walked into The Varsity in Rome, Georgia, ordered a cheeseburger, and made history.
Not because of what he said about voting or tariffs or the economy.
Because he became the fifth U.S. president to visit The Varsity — a distinction that appears to be unique among fast-food restaurants in America.
"Over our nearly 100 year history, we've had the privilege of serving five sitting Presidents at The Varsity," Ty Ismailov, Vice President of Operations at The Varsity, wrote on LinkedIn following Trump's visit. "We're honored to be a place where people can come together and celebrate what they have in common: a love for the timeless food and the people they share it with."
A clarification: four of the five — Carter, Bush, Obama, and Trump — visited as sitting presidents. Clinton's 2002 visit was post-presidency. The Varsity's "five sitting Presidents" claim inherits that distinction. Either way, no other fast-food restaurant in America can document visits from five commanders-in-chief.
The Varsity opened in 1928. Its neighbor down the road, Chick-fil-A, wouldn't open for another 39 years — but both would become Atlanta institutions built on the same principle: conviction outlasts trends.
Ninety-eight years later, it's still serving hot dogs, onion rings, and Frosted Oranges to presidents, Georgia Tech students, and everyone in between.
Here's the documented history of how a drive-in restaurant became a presidential tradition.
Jimmy Carter, a Georgia native, visited The Varsity's main Atlanta location in 1977 during his presidency.
Carter was known to frequent the restaurant during his time in Georgia politics and throughout his life.
The visit established The Varsity as a presidential stop for sitting presidents visiting Atlanta.
George H.W. Bush — 1990President George H.W. Bush visited The Varsity in 1990.
According to Dorsey Alston Realtors, "President George H.W Bush came to The Varsity in 1990 and stayed long enough to enjoy a hot dog, peach pie and a Coke."
Bush's visit started what would become a trend of presidents visiting the iconic Atlanta restaurant over the next three decades.
Bill Clinton — 2002Former Georgia governor Zell Miller introduced former President Bill Clinton to The Varsity in 2002 — a post-presidency visit, as Clinton left office in January 2001.
"Known for his love of hot dogs and burgers, Clinton went the hamburger route during his visit but also partook of onion rings and a Coke," according to The Varsity's timeline. "Miller grew up three blocks from The Varsity and shared stories of how he used to skip school to hang out at the drive-in."
Barack Obama — 2012President Barack Obama made a surprise lunchtime visit to The Varsity's main Atlanta location on June 26, 2012, during a campaign fundraising trip to Georgia.
"The president ordered a chili dog, french fries and a couple of drinks at what is billed as the World's Largest Drive-in Restaurant," according to Patch.
Operations Director Terry Brookshire explained the presidential appeal: "You meet at the V; you see everyone here; it's a central meeting place, and it's got historical value, you know."
Donald Trump — 2026President Donald Trump visited The Varsity in Rome, Georgia, on February 19, 2026, before delivering remarks at Coosa Steel Corporation.
"'Nice place you got here,' said Trump as he walked into the packed restaurant," according to Atlanta News First. "The president asked the crowd if they liked Voter ID and was met with applause."
Trump ordered a cheeseburger, signed MAGA hats, and spoke with workers who had been at The Varsity for decades.
This visit marked the fifth U.S. president to dine at The Varsity in its 98-year history.
| President | Year | What They Ordered | |---|---|---| | Jimmy Carter | 1977 | Not documented in available public sources | | George H.W. Bush | 1990 | Hot dog, peach pie, Coke | | Bill Clinton | 2002 (post-presidency) | Hamburger, onion rings, Coke | | Barack Obama | 2012 | Chili dog, french fries, drinks | | Donald Trump | 2026 | Cheeseburger |
Other restaurants have hosted five or more sitting presidents.
Martin's Tavern in Georgetown has served "commanders-in-chief from Presidents Truman to Biden" — at least 13 presidents.
Old Ebbitt Grill in Washington, D.C., founded in 1856, has hosted numerous presidents including Grant, Johnson, Cleveland, Theodore Roosevelt, and Harding.
The Buckhorn Exchange in Denver, Colorado, has documented visits from six sitting presidents: Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Jimmy Carter, and Ronald Reagan.
Union Oyster House in Boston has served presidents Clinton, Franklin Roosevelt, Barack Obama, and Calvin Coolidge.
But these are fine dining establishments, historic taverns, seafood restaurants, and steakhouses.
The Varsity is different.
Fast Food vs. Fine DiningMcDonald's? No documented five sitting presidential visits. Burger King? No documented five sitting presidential visits. Wendy's? No documented five sitting presidential visits. In-N-Out? No documented five sitting presidential visits. Chick-fil-A? No documented five sitting presidential visits.
Searches of industry publications, presidential dining histories, and major QSR brand archives found no fast-food or quick-service restaurant chain with documented visits from five sitting U.S. presidents.
The Varsity is a drive-in restaurant. Fast food. Hot dogs and hamburgers. Service at the curb or the counter.
And it's hosted five sitting presidents.
That distinction appears to be unique in American fast food.
The Varsity was founded by Frank Gordy in 1928 on a 70' x 120' lot across from Georgia Tech.
The original restaurant had 10 stools and four tables.
Today, the main Atlanta location spans two city blocks, can accommodate 800 diners inside, and bills itself as "The World's Largest Drive-In Restaurant."
The Varsity receives over 30,000 visitors on Georgia Tech football game days, according to the Atlanta History Center.
The restaurant serves two miles of hot dogs, 300 gallons of chili, 2,500 pounds of potatoes, and 2,000 pounds of onions every day.
It is the largest seller of Coca-Cola in the world, serving more than 2 million Coca-Colas annually.
But the presidential appeal isn't about volume.
It's about something else.
"The Varsity is a 18 year Family tradition for us each year on our way to Florida. The people are amazing, the tradition, the fun and the food is truly something special." — Craig Hockenberry, TripAdvisor review, January 2026
"My dad grew up in Georgia and The Varsity was always a stop for a special family meal. In many ways it hasn't changed. Our kids loved the experience. They loved wearing the Varsity hats. Now I get to bring my grandkids!" — TripAdvisor review, 2026
"We love this place. It's a treat. It can't suck and be in business this long." — Stephen Gissendaner, Birmingham visitor who's eaten at The Varsity 10+ times, quoted in Atlanta Magazine
"[The Varsity] always used to sponsor the senior class; they'd bring us the hats for the homecoming pep rallies. When we got done with football games or if we would come into the city, we would always come in here and eat." — Renee Hunter, Conyers resident, Atlanta Magazine
"Nothing beats the 'Whatya Have?' by those behind the registers taking orders." — TripAdvisor review, 2026
"Nowhere else can you get shouted at with 'what'll ya have' and feel as comfortable as you would at the Varsity. It's the franchise saying for every order and creates a rush of excitement." — GSU student analysis
The pattern in the customer voices is clear:
It's not the food. It's the people behind the counter shouting "What'll ya have?"
It's not the menu. It's the experience of wearing the paper hats with your kids.
It's not the efficiency. It's the personality that makes getting yelled at for your order feel like coming home.
When presidents visit Atlanta, The Varsity represents the city.
Not because it's fancy. Because it's authentic.
Ashley Weiser, The Varsity's Marketing Director and great-granddaughter of founder Frank Gordy, explained it to Garden & Gun: "Atlanta's like an Etch-A-Sketch; the skyline's always changing. We've stayed the same."
That's the pull.
"It's old Atlanta, and it's new Atlanta at the same time," Weiser said. "The Varsity is for everybody."
Former Georgia governor Zell Miller grew up three blocks from The Varsity. He took President Clinton there because it was part of Atlanta's identity.
President Obama chose The Varsity for a campaign stop because it's where Atlantans actually go.
President Trump stopped at The Varsity in Rome because it's part of Georgia culture, even 70 miles outside Atlanta.
The Varsity has remained family-owned and operated since 1928. Three generations of the Gordy family have run the business.
That continuity matters.
Presidents visit The Varsity because it hasn't changed. It's still serving the same chili dogs, onion rings, and Frosted Oranges it served in 1928.
In an industry where most restaurants fail within five years — and where CEO turnover and PE acquisitions reshape brands every cycle — The Varsity has been operating for 98 years.
That's the pull.
Most QSR brands chase presidential visits for the publicity.
The Varsity never chased anything.
Five presidents — four sitting, one former — visited because The Varsity built something that lasted.
Here's what the timeline shows:
1928: Frank Gordy opens The Varsity across from Georgia Tech 1949: Tragedy strikes — Gordy's brothers die in a plane crash 1950: The Varsity claims title of "World's Largest Drive-In" 1977: First presidential visit (Jimmy Carter) 1990: Second presidential visit (George H.W. Bush) 2002: Post-presidency visit from Bill Clinton 2012: Fourth presidential visit (Barack Obama) 2026: Fifth presidential visit (Donald Trump)
The pattern is clear:
The Varsity didn't get presidential visits because it marketed to presidents.
It got presidential visits because it served Atlanta for 98 years without changing what mattered.
The Lesson for OperatorsBrand pull doesn't come from publicity stunts. It comes from showing up every day for decades.
The Varsity has been serving the same food, in the same locations, with the same family ownership, for 98 years.
Not the marketing. The consistency.
Five presidents visited The Varsity. What the restaurant represents — a business that actually lasts — may be part of the pull.
Yes — four sitting presidents have visited The Varsity. Jimmy Carter visited in 1977, George H.W. Bush in 1990, Barack Obama in 2012, and Donald Trump in 2026 at the Rome, Georgia location. Bill Clinton also visited in 2002, but as a former president — post-presidency. The Varsity's own framing counts all five as part of its presidential history.
What presidents have eaten at The Varsity Atlanta?Five presidents total: Carter (1977), Bush (1990), Clinton (2002, post-presidency), Obama (2012), and Trump (2026). No other fast-food or quick-service restaurant in America has a documented record of five commanders-in-chief visiting. Martin's Tavern in Georgetown and Union Oyster House in Boston have longer presidential histories, but both are sit-down restaurants — not fast food.
What did Trump order at The Varsity?President Donald Trump visited The Varsity in Rome, Georgia on February 19, 2026, before delivering remarks at Coosa Steel Corporation. He ordered a cheeseburger, signed MAGA hats, and spoke with employees who had worked at The Varsity for decades. The visit was reported by Atlanta News First.
What did Obama order at The Varsity?President Barack Obama made a surprise lunchtime visit to The Varsity's main Atlanta location on June 26, 2012, during a campaign fundraising trip to Georgia. According to Patch, he ordered a chili dog, french fries, and drinks at what is billed as the World's Largest Drive-In Restaurant.
How old is The Varsity in Atlanta?The Varsity was founded by Frank Gordy in 1928 on a 70 by 120 foot lot across from Georgia Tech with a $2,000 loan and a used stove. As of 2026, it has been operating continuously for 98 years under family ownership — three generations of the Gordy family — making it one of the longest-running fast-food restaurants in American history.
What is The Varsity Atlanta famous for?The Varsity is famous for being the World's Largest Drive-In Restaurant, serving over 30,000 visitors on Georgia Tech football game days, and selling more Coca-Cola than any single establishment in the world. Its signature employee greeting — "What'll ya have?" shouted at customers — has been a constant since 1928. It has now hosted five U.S. presidents across five decades.
- Presidential visit comparisons: Whether other fast-food or QSR chains have documented five or more sitting presidential visits — searches of industry publications and presidential dining histories found no comparable fast-food examples, but comprehensive research would be needed to confirm this is unique. - Presidential site selection factors: What specific factors presidents consider when selecting dining locations during visits to Georgia — security logistics, local political context, and media optics all plausibly play a role, but no public disclosure addresses this directly. - Advance team coordination: Whether The Varsity actively coordinates with presidential advance teams or if visits occur more organically — the brand has not disclosed any formal relationship with any administration. - Regional comparison data: Comparative frequency of presidential visits to other Atlanta restaurants or Georgia QSR locations — no comparable dataset exists in public sources.
The data shows The Varsity is unique among fast-food restaurants for documented presidential visits. Additional research would be needed to confirm no other QSR chains match this record.
Most brands measure pull by same-store sales growth or unit expansion velocity.
The Varsity measures pull differently.
Five sitting presidents. Ninety-eight years. Same family. Same food.
That's brand pull that can't be manufactured.
Ty Ismailov's LinkedIn post captured it: "We're honored to be a place where people can come together and celebrate what they have in common: a love for the timeless food and the people they share it with."
Presidents visit The Varsity for the same reason Georgia Tech students do.
Because it's been there their whole lives.
And it will be there long after they're gone.
Five sitting presidents from different eras, different parties, different policies — but when they came to Georgia, they all had one thing in common:
The Varsity was on their mind.
This analysis cites multiple independent industry sources to provide comprehensive operator-focused research. We reference publicly available data with full attribution and direct links to support our independent analysis.
QSR Research Hub is an independent publication. We are not affiliated with any brand, corporation, or entity discussed in this article and receive no compensation for citations or analysis.
We publish deep dives with real citations, real data, and zero corporate spin. Franchise economics, brand analysis, and operator strategy — no fluff, no investor pitch, no vendor influence.
And subscribe free — get it delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to QSR Research Hub1. The Varsity. "Our Story." https://thevarsity.com/pages/our-story
2. EatAndGeek. "The Varsity: Unpacking the Legacy of Atlanta's Iconic Fast Food Institution." October 17, 2025. https://eatandgeek.com/why-is-the-varsity-in-atlanta-famous/
3. The Varsity. "Time line." https://thevarsity.com/pages/time-line
4. Georgia Encyclopedia. "The Varsity." New Georgia Encyclopedia. Covers founding (1928), Frank Gordy's ownership, presidential visits including George H.W. Bush (1990), and landmark status. https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org
5. Dorsey Alston Realtors. "Varsity Celebrates 90 Years." https://dorseyalston.com/blog/the-varsity-celebrates-90-years-of-chili-dogs-onion-rings-fos
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8. Atlanta News First. "Trump visits Rome as early voting continues for 14th district." February 19, 2026. https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2026/02/19/trump-visit-rome-early-voting-continues-georgias-14th-district/
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18. The Varsity. "Time line - 1950s." https://thevarsity.com/pages/time-line
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21. Atlanta Magazine. "Does anyone actually like the Varsity?" November 23, 2019. https://www.atlantamagazine.com/list/you-asked-we-answered-34-things-you-probably-dont-know-about-atlanta/does-anyone-actually-like-the-varsity/
22. GSU Student Blog. "What Makes the Varsity so Successful." April 28, 2016. https://sites.gsu.edu/jbergstrom1/2016/04/28/what-makes-the-varsity-so-successful-when-theres-plenty-of-other-chain-restaurants-in-atlanta/