Samuel Truett Cathy, founder of Chick-fil-A, was born in Eatonton, Georgia, in 1921. Raised in a family with deep spiritual roots, Cathy's faith journey began early, deeply influenced by his mother's teachings and regular Baptist church attendance. By age 12, he had embraced Christianity, a commitment that would shape his entire life.
Faith Based Business Principles
Cathy's belief in integrating faith with business became evident in 1946 when he opened his first restaurant, Dwarf Grill, with his brother Ben in Hapeville, Georgia. He boldly decided to close on Sundays, stating, 'Our decision to close on Sunday was our way of honoring God and of directing our attention to things that mattered more than our business.' This decision, rooted in his faith, set a precedent for the future of his business empire.
In 1967, Cathy launched the first Chick-fil-A in Atlanta's Greenbriar Shopping Center. His approach to business was guided by biblical principles, as he often said, 'I see no conflict whatsoever between Christianity and good business practices. People say you can't mix business with religion. I say there's no other way.'
Facing Cancer at Thirty-Eight
Cathy's life was not without challenges. At 38, he faced colon cancer. Before his critical surgery, his wife, Jeannette, reassured him, 'God isn't finished with your life yet.' Cathy emerged from the operation with a renewed sense of purpose, praying, 'I'm alive... Thank you God, that I'm alive.' This experience fortified his faith, leading him to 'a new creation, prepared to take on whatever life dealt,' as he shared in his writings.
A Legacy of Faith
Beyond business, Cathy's faith manifested in philanthropy. He taught Sunday school for over 50 years, fostered more than 150 children, and established the WinShape Foundation to support youth through scholarships. His commitment to giving back was unwavering, 'Nearly every moment of every day we have the opportunity to give something to someone else – our time, our love, our resources,' he believed.
S. Truett Cathy's life is a testament to the power of faith in action. From humble beginnings, he built a thriving enterprise that honored God, demonstrating that true success lies in serving others. His legacy continues, rooted in his belief that 'a business is merely a reflection of the character of its leadership.'