The Varsity

Janice McDonald’s The Varsity chronicles the history of a prominent Atlanta landmark that began in 1928. Frank Gordy established the business to provide affordable meals for students, eventually transforming it into the world's largest drive-in by the 1950s. The text details how Gordy developed both the menu and the service model with visionary precision. The book covers the establishment’s enduring popularity through its consistent offerings of hot dogs, hamburgers, onion rings, and fried pies. Readers will find information on specific menu items such as the heavy dog walking and the F. O., or frosted orange shake. The narrative also explains the origin of the term carhop, describing how servers hopped onto running boards to expedite orders. McDonald presents this local history for those interested in Southern culinary traditions and mid-century business practices. It suits readers seeking regional American food history rather than contemporary recipes or general fast food industry analysis. The work serves as a record of a specific institution that set daily sales records for decades. It appeals to those who appreciate the evolution of service styles and the cultural impact of affordable dining in Georgia. The book does not offer cooking instructions but rather focuses on the historical significance of the location and its unique operational methods.