When it comes to the Cathy family's multibillion-dollar fortune, it's all about the fried chicken. That's because the Cathys are the family behind the Chick-fil-A empire. 

S. Truett Cathy officially founded the popular fast-food chain in the late 1960s, laying the roots for what is today one of America's richest family dynasties, according to Forbes. Like burger institution In-N-Out, solely run by the Snyder family, Chick-fil-A has always been led by a member of the Cathy family.

Truett's son, Dan Cathy, served as CEO from 2013 to 2021. Dan's son, Andrew, has run the chain as CEO since November 2021. He is only the third member of the Cathy family to lead Chick-fil-A since it was founded in 1967.  Dan Cathy, whose net worth is $9.7 billion, remains board chairman of the chain. 

Born and raised in the South, the Cathy family has been dedicated to continuing Truett's legacy, growing Chick-fil-A across the US to 2,800 restaurants. In September, the chain announced plans to expand to the UK.

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Chick-fil-A has been celebrated for its company culture, customer service, and quality food, but it has also received backlash over anti-same-sex marriage beliefs that align with the Cathys' Christian upbringing.

"At Chick-fil-A, we are very grounded on our corporate purpose, to be a purpose-driven organization," Dan Cathy said during an interview with Chief Executive magazine. "That purpose is defined in the statement that we're here to glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that's entrusted to us and have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A."

Take a look inside the rise of Chick-fil-A and the family behind it.

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