[2] The main branch of the chain was the largest drive-in fast food restaurant in the world,[3] taking up two city blocks and accommodating up to 800 diners.

[5] Originally named "The Yellow Jacket", The Varsity was established in 1928 at the corner of Luckie Street and Hemphill Avenue in Midtown Atlanta.

[8] As the business grew, Gordy was forced to move the restaurant to 61 North Avenue (on the northwest corner of Spring Street).

The Atlanta location ceased offering curbside service in July 2020[9] but later reintroduced it in September of that year, in modified form.

The restaurant and the Georgia Tech campus sit on opposite sides of the Connector, linked by the North Avenue bridge.

[12][13] The first Athens location opened in 1932 at the corner of East Broad Street and College Avenue, but was closed around the late 1970s.

The Varsity, Jr. closed in August 2010, having been at that location for more than 40 years, after the city of Atlanta did not approve the chain's plans to replace that building.

The restaurant offers catering services to the metro Atlanta region for both corporate and non-corporate functions, going as far east as Conyers and Stone Mountain, Georgia.

Mr. Walker was noted for his ability to move the service line quickly, especially during the rush period right before a Georgia Tech football game.

The creative and resourceful Russell would dress in a flamboyant style and pepper his order-taking duties with jokes and amusing songs, thereby earning him extra tips.

[24] U.S. presidents Jimmy Carter, George H. W. Bush,[25] Bill Clinton and Barack Obama all visited The Varsity during their terms in office.