Annotated Bib. “The Varsity in Atlanta: Where memories (and chili dogs) are made”

Brock, Wendell. “The Varsity in Atlanta: Where Memories (and Chili) Are Made.” The Varsity in Atlanta: Where Memories (and Chili) Are Made. Atlanta Journal Constitution, 21 Oct. 2015. Web. 23 Feb. 2016.

 

In this article of Atlanta hot spot, The Varsity, author Wendell Brock explains the “magic” behind the success and popularity of the world’s largest drive-in restaurant. Brock explains, it’s not the food that impresses him or the customer service, but “…this venerable institution is how little it has changed” is what impresses him to this day. Brock discusses the color wave and the old time style pattern which allows reminiscences of previous occurrences in the past. Brock goes as far as describing the plate and how the food is delivered that makes remember the first time he had the Varsity in the 1980’s.

This article benefits my research by allowing a deeper insight into the company, past the food and past the service to see a part of history. Brock showed the history behind the Varsity and what makes it a high demand even after all these years. The food may not be all that good nor the customer service (compared to articles explaining the service) but the memories created there will last a lifetime. That is definitely going to open my mind and think greater and further than just what is in front of me at the moment, but into the depth and history behind the little things (plates, cups, attire, food, etc.).

Annotated Bib. “The Varsity: Owners of Atlanta Icon Face a Big Decision”

Kempner, Matt. “The Varsity, Atlanta’s Chili Dog Palace, Considers Its Future.” The Varsity, Atlanta’s Chili Dog Palace, Considers Its Future. The Atlanta Journal Constitution, 11 Feb. 2016. Web. 23 Feb. 2016.

 

In this article published in the Atlanta Journal Constitution, author Matt Kempner explains the recent shutting down of the Alpharetta location Varsity. In doing so, he also received word from president Gordon Muir, that the future plans of The Varsity is to open multiple smaller locations throughout the state (Winder being the first one to be established). Kempner then explains the reason the Varsity is of such high demand. Matt Kempner states “When I was indoctrinated enough to order a Frosted Orange drink at the Athens restaurant just by saying, “I’ll have an F.O.,” it may have been the first time I felt like I had become a legit Georgian,” giving hints the food isn’t what brings customers back, but the customer service and the relationship built between the restaurant and customer keeps The Varsity thriving.

 

This article is beneficial for my research with my interior built environment analysis, as it lays a foundation to what I should be looking for within The Varsity. This article, much like the one previously posted, focuses a lot on customer service and the relationship built between the restaurant and customer. Although the food is only considered decent, because of this article, I will be allowed to focus more on the relationships and things (according to the recent articles I’ve read) that keep The Varsity one of the most famous restaurants in Atlanta.

Annotated Bib. “The Varsity: Atlanta’s Classic Car Keeps on Cruising”

Olmsted, Larry. “The Varsity: Atlanta’s Classic Car Hop Keeps on Cruising.”USA Today. Gannett, 14 Feb. 2014. Web. 23 Feb. 2016.

 

In this article, author Larry Olmsted critics one of Atlanta’s most famous landmarks, The Varsity. He begins the article by explaining the scene and mood set around the restaurant, relaxed and a sporty feel to it. Olmsted also went into detail on all the restaurant has to offer including: dine-in, carry-out, or to-go through a window (much like sonic). Olmsted also told the capacity at which it can hold (600 cars and 800 diners). He later began to get in depth with the food and service, like a critic should, and pointed out the strengths and flaws. Olmsted even related to an past occurrence stating that “…the service is the same friendly, if a bit abrupt, smooth operation it has been since I first visited 20 years ago.” Olmsted pointed out many flaws and strengths in The Varsity, but ultimately agreed it was a “road-trip cuisine.”

I plan to use this article to help with my in-depth research of The Varsity as an interior design. This article really points out the history behind The Varsity with its customer service and popular food. This article is beneficial to me and my research, as it allows more depth and understanding of what I am studying to realize The Varsity is more than a restaurant, it is a part of history and has been since 1928.