Varsity Jr. closes after 45 years

Metro Atlanta

Varsity Jr. closes after 45 years

Varsity Jr. closes after 45 years

Charles and Merle Griffin, who have been married 52 years, made a final trip to the Varsity Jr. in Atlanta. After 45 years, the business is closing Sunday due to zoning issues. The Griffins have visited Varsity locations since they began dating in 1954. Said Charles: "We made a special trip in from Clarkston for a final date here. We hate to see the Varsity Jr. close. It is a part of our history as a couple. We have some good memories here."

Eileen Harrell, Atlanta, is all smiles as she balances her to go order while opening her car door on the last day of business for the Varsity Jr. in Atlanta on Sunday, August, 22, 2010. Harrell said she has been a patron at the Jr. since 1967.

Robert Akers, Sandy Springs, born and raised in Atlanta, starts by sampling the onion rings for his final meal on the last day of business for the Varsity Jr. in Atlanta on Sunday, Aug. 22, 2010.

After enjoying a final meal, Diane McCorvey, left, and Joyce McDonald, right, Atlanta, pause to take in the scene on the last day of business for the Varsity Jr. in Atlanta. Just for good measure they also bought a box to go for later.

A note in the front window written on a dessert wrapper marks Donna & Clint Calhoun's last trip to the Jr!!

A farewell note in the front window from the Marvin Loyd family.

James Holcomb, Atlanta, takes a picture of all the farewell notes from customers in the front window of the Varisty Jr. on it's last day of business in Atlanta.

Gail McCorvey, Atlanta, sports the traditional hat for her last trip to the Varsity Jr. After 45 years of operation it is the last day of business for the Varsity Jr. in Atlanta on Sunday, August, 22, 2010.

Kari Rheney, right, and her daughter Kelsey, from Avondale, enjoy a final mother-daughter trip to the Varsity Jr. on its final day of business in Atlanta after 45-years of operation on Sunday.

Joe Bailey, 65, who has worked for the Varsity for 40 years, serves up a order on the last day of business for the Varsity Jr. in Atlanta on Sunday, Aug. 22, 2010. Bailey, who will continue to work for the Varsity at other locations, said "historically this had been the busiest day I have ever seen. I don't want this place to close."

After 45 years of operation, the lobby is packed with customers on the last day of business for the Varsity Jr. in Atlanta on Sunday, Aug. 22, 2010.

Back to the food. If you're craving a hot dog and fries, the Varsity is the place to be. You'll have plenty of company from your fellow runners and their friends and family.

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Charles and Merle Griffin, who have been married 52 years, made a final trip to the Varsity Jr. in Atlanta. After 45 years, the business is closing Sunday due to zoning issues. The Griffins have visited Varsity locations since they began dating in 1954. Said Charles: "We made a special trip in from Clarkston for a final date here. We hate to see the Varsity Jr. close. It is a part of our history as a couple. We have some good memories here."

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