Obama Orders Up Surprise Smiles at The Varsity

in Midtown played host to a special guest Tuesday: President Barack Obama. 

The president journeyed to Atlanta today to stump for votes and collect campaigning cash. But before he did so, he made a surprise lunchtime visit to the famed restaurant, where he greeted startled customers and shook their hands.

Of course, he also got some food. The president ordered a chili dog, french fries and a couple of drinks at what is billed as the World’s Largest Drive-in Restaurant. The Varsity, which had fed three other U.S. presidents prior to Tuesday, has been serving Atlantans and Georgia Tech students since 1928.

Penny Young, a hairdresser from Marietta, was overwhelmed by Obama's visit. "I shook his hand," she said, "He came in and met with kids from some of the local camps. One little girl was crying because she was so happy." Young, a libertarian and small business owner, said she would probably vote for Romney in the fall.

Rodney Beavers, a 42-year-old flight attendant from Decatur. He described meeting the president as a dream come true. "I couldn't believe it. I shook his hand and he said to me, 'You look like you could play football for Iowa.'" Beavers, a strong supporter of Obama, was wearing an Iowa polo shirt during the president's visit. He said that the president did not stay long and could not have been there for more than 20 minutes.   

Lashonda Baggett, a teacher from Snellville, also met Obama. "[Meeting him] was the best thing of my life,” she said. “It was overwhelming at first.” When asked whom she would vote for, Baggett replied, "Of course, Obama."

The president made sure to say hello to the children, too. Abrion Jarrell, 11, saw it all unfold. "First we came in and saw the police around," said Jarrell. "Next he came in and I shook his hand. It was the best experience of my life. He said, 'It's nice to meet you.'"

Obama joined Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton as presidents who have visited The Varsity. When asked why so many U.S. presidents make their way to The Varsity, Operations Director Terry Brookshire responded, "You meet at the V; you see everyone here; it's a central meeting place, and it's got historical value, you know."

After his visit, the commander in chief was scheduled to speak before an estimated crowd of 500 at the Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel in downtown where tickets started at $500. Later, about 20 or so donors, who each paid $35,000, were expected to join the president for a campaign roundtable with Obama.

After his stops in Atlanta, Obama was scheduled to depart for a pair of Miami fundraisers, including a private home affair where 30 donors are reported to have paid $40,000 each to attend.