5 Restaurants with Religious Roots
We’ve compiled a list of 5 eateries around the country that hold to, or were founded on, strong religious beliefs. Some of these restaurants are more vocal about their religious roots, either by being closed on Sundays or printing scriptures on branded materials. Others are “quiet believers,” choosing to be subtle but still inspiring nonetheless. You may already know about some of these, but others may surprise you!
1. Chick-fil-A
Does anybody else have a sudden mega-craving for Chick-fil-A, only to come to the realization that it’s Sunday? Same.
Are you familiar with Exodus 20:8-10?
“Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy,” the passage reads. “You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God.”
If you haven’t noticed by now, all Chick-fil-A restaurants are closed for business on Sundays, a practice implemented by the chain’s late founder, S. Truett Cathy, who saw the importance of his employees to set aside a day of rest dedicated to the Lord. Cathy’s decision to keep his restaurants closed on Sundays has remained a staple in the business since 1964!
Cathy lived a life centered around biblical principles, and he made sure these values were reflected in the company’s mission “to glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us and to have a positive influence on all who come into contact with Chick-fil-A.”
We have all heard of the inspiring and extraordinary acts of kindness displayed by the popular restaurant chain, who in times of need, have sacrificed more than just their famed chicken sandwiches and perfected waffle fries.
I mean, come on, remember when Chick-fil-A opened their doors on a Sunday to provide food for stranded passengers in an airport? What a great example of how they upheld the words of Matthew 25:35, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.”
Or, when a Texas couple who frequented the popular restaurant was stranded during the Hurricane Harvey floods, only to be rescued by a Chick-fil-A employee with a boat and jet ski? These kind gestures are definitely not the first and probably not the last we’ll see from them!
This is some pretty remarkable stuff you’re doing, Chick-fil-A!
2. In-N-Out Burger
Anyone who doesn’t live in the few regions blessed with an In-N-Out … I’m sorry. But hey, that’s what makes a trip out to the few states that do even more magical.
I’m going to throw out a few verses, and maybe they have significance to you when you think of In-N-Out, and maybe not.
John 3:16 says, “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”
Proverbs 3:5 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.”
Revelation 3:20 says, “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.”
Nahum 1:7 says, “The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him.”
Notice a common message in these verses? How about trusting in God and His word? That’s what the former In-N-Out president, Richard Snyder, practiced when he took over the family-owned business. He requested powerful biblical verses be discreetly printed on their burger wrappers, french fry boats, and the bottom of their milkshake and soft drink cups. After Snyder passed away in 1993, his family was insistent on keeping the tradition.
So the next time you get your dose of a savory In-N-Out burger (animal style, anyone?), simple, yet delicious french fries and a shake, make sure to check your wrappers and fry boats for some incredible verses!
3. Cook Out
Forty-plus premium milkshakes? Take me there, now.
Ever notice the sweet, sweet sound (and I’m not talking about the song) of Christian music playing while you dine at this popular restaurant chain? Or, similar to In-N-Out, the scriptures written on the bottoms of their milkshake cups and hamburger wrappers?
You won’t find any statements on their website explaining the music or passages. However, if you follow them on Twitter or Facebook you’ll notice they aren’t afraid to share their religious beliefs.
"Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, as He said."
Matthew 28:5-6Happy Easter, He Is Risen pic.twitter.com/oqZiImYZHJ
— Cook Out (@CookOut) April 1, 2018
This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
—Ps. 118:24(The verse on our milkshake cups in case you were curious)
— Cook Out (@CookOut) May 15, 2017
They’re also not afraid to show a little humor.
Me: “Want to go to Cook Out?”
Friend: “We went yesterday…”
Me:
Friend: pic.twitter.com/VP7aXRTLBE
— Cook Out (@CookOut) February 24, 2018
Keep it up, Cook Out. We love you and your extensive milkshake menu.
4. Domino’s Pizza
I’m pretty sure when the Bible mentions manna from heaven, they were talking about pizza.
Tom Monaghan, the founder of Domino’s pizza, is known for his faith, politics and million dollar donations for the things he is most passionate about. He founded the famous pizza chain (we can’t thank him enough) in 1960 with his brother and, later, founded the Ave Maria Foundation. The Monaghan brothers grew up in a Catholic orphanage after their father passed away. And, before selling the company, he employed a chaplain that would hold mass in the corporate cafeteria each morning.
Hebrews 6:10 says, “For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do.”
Sounds like something Mr. Monaghan strives to live by. He was even quoted as saying, “The most important thing I can do is help people get to heaven.”
I’ll just leave this here. You’re welcome.
5. Magnolia Table
Let’s talk history for a moment.
A decades-worth of Waco, Texas history is found inside the walls of the Elite Cafe, a popular restaurant originally opened in 1919 that served steaks, burgers, and salads.
And let’s not forget this fun fact — the cafe served a rock-and-roll legend. While conducting military training at Fort Hood in the 1950’s, “The King of Rock and Roll” (you guessed it — Elvis Presley) visited the restaurant.
Unfortunately, the famed cafe closed down in 2016. However, two renovation experts sought to revive the Waco staple less than one year later.
If you frequent HGTV then you have probably heard of the “Fixer Upper” duo Chip and Joanna Gaines, a husband-and-wife household repair team with an entire business empire founded upon deeply rooted Christian beliefs.
After purchasing the historic Elite Cafe, the Gaines couple did what they do best — they fixed it up and eventually reopened the cafe under the name Magnolia Table, a cafe specializing in breakfast, brunch, and lunch.
While this list features our top five choices for restaurants based on religious roots, we’re sure there are MANY more! Have you been to any of the spots on the list above?
Do you know of other faith-based restaurants in your area? Please share them with us on Facebook!
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