A Conversation with Seth Cathy of the Chick-fil-A Family

By: Sam Silvey

In one of the most heartfelt and inspiring episodes of Spectruss Speakeasy, Sam Silvey sits down with Seth Cathy, grandson of Chick-fil-A founder Truett Cathy, for an unforgettable conversation that spans business, family, faith, motorcycles, and a whole lot of history.

Seth shares what it’s like growing up as a third-generation member of the Cathy family, a name synonymous with integrity, service, and of course, the iconic chicken sandwich. But what becomes immediately clear is that Seth’s story isn’t about privilege, it’s about stewardship.

“I don’t view it as something I own. I’m just a steward of it while I’m here,” says Seth, referring not just to his family’s legacy, but also the land he lives on, 120 acres on Lookout Mountain he calls Acres Above.

This episode is rich with powerful insights, from Seth’s stories about his grandfather’s Depression-era roots and how the Chick-fil-A sandwich was invented, to lessons learned through dirt biking, motocross, and raising three kids while balancing a life of purpose.

We also get a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the origin story of Chick-fil-A, including how Truett Cathy started with a simple diner called the Dwarf Grill and how a surplus of airline chicken breasts helped spark the signature sandwich that would go on to revolutionize fast food.

Seth walks us through pivotal moments of adversity, from his grandfather losing his business partner in a tragic plane crash, to COVID-era pivots at Chick-fil-A that reshaped how the brand serves customers today. He even explains how the Honda jacket Truett gave him off his own back symbolizes the family’s core values of humility and generosity.

And it’s not all corporate legacy, Seth opens up about his love for skateboarding, the dirt biking community in Chattanooga, and hosting vintage motorcycle events at his property. He shares stories of riding alongside his sons and how his family bonds through outdoor adventure, hospitality, and a passion for connecting with people.

Whether you’re into entrepreneurship, legacy building, Southern culture, or just love a good story from the heart, this episode offers wisdom that transcends business.

Tune in and listen to Seth Cathy talk about:

  • What stewardship really means
  • Why Chick-fil-A’s service model is built on humility
  • The little-known history of the chicken sandwich
  • Lessons from building a dirt bike haven in Tennessee
  • His family’s continued mission to serve with purpose, and not ego
  • The real story behind Truett Cathy’s Lamborghini Countach and Coca-Cola roots

This conversation will leave you feeling more inspired, more grounded, and more appreciative of the kind of leadership that doesn’t chase the spotlight, but shines anyway.

Catch the full episode now on Spectruss Speakeasy.

Watch it on YouTube here

Hear it here on Spotify

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