This One's to Go

 

Burgers, chicken and crunchy gorditas.  Who doesn't love a good fast food meal?  In this blog post, meet three pioneers who all thought outside the bun, creating a whole new neighborhood of dining options for travelers and families alike.  Make this one to go, as you travel to three states and visit their final resting places.     
                  
Samuel Truett Cathy was born in Eatonton, Georgia, on March 14, 1921. In 1946, he opened his first restaurant, the Dwarf Grill, named so for its small size.  There, he and his brother created a chicken sandwich that would become the signature item at what is today called Chick Fil A, at approximately 2,600 locations worldwide.  Cathy died of diabetes on September 8, 2014.

Location: Greenwood Cemetery (Atlanta, GA), Section #21
Inscription: A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches (Proverbs 22:1)

Rex David Thomas (Dave Thomas) was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on July 2, 1932.  He had an appreciation for the restaurant industry from an early age, dropping out of high school to pursue this interest.  After serving as a mess sergeant during the Koren War, Thomas returned to the U.S. and worked for Colonel Harland Sanders, helping to revitalize four failing Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurants in the Midwest.  Then in 1969, he opened his first Wendy's restaurant in Columbus, Ohio, naming the franchise after his daughter.  Today, there are more than 6,900 locations worldwide.  Thomas died of cancer on January 8, 2002.

Location: Union Cemetery (Columbus, OH), Mausoleum Chapel B, Lot #1B, Space #1

Colonel Harland David Sanders was born in Henryville, Indiana, on September 9, 1890. During the Great Depression, he began selling chicken at his first roadside restaurant in North Corbin, Kentucky.  It was here that he developed his secret recipe of eleven herbs and spices.  He began franchising the chain in 1952, and today, there are more than 24,000 locations worldwide.  Sanders died of pneumonia on December 16, 1980.

Location: Cave Hill Cemetery (Louisville, KY), Section #33, Lot #57, Grave #1
Inscription: Born near Henryville, Indiana, Founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken Empire

Rest in peace.