Billionaire Profile
B
Global Rank
#224

Image: United States. Army. Corps of Engineers. New Orleans District | Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Bubba Cathy

CEO, Chick-fil-A
UNITED STATES
Real-Time Net Worth
$13.469B
Estimated based on Chick-fil-A stock value as of April 20, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
71
Source
Chick-fil-A
Industry
food-beverage
Citizenship
UNITED STATES

Biography

Donald "Bubba" Cathy is an American billionaire businessman, and Executive Vice President and Chick-fil-A Ambassador of Chick-fil-A. He is the son of Chick-fil-A's founder, S. Truett Cathy. Bubba played a key role in the company's growth, rising to Senior Vice President in 1995. Currently, he oversees the company's Dwarf House and Truett's Grill concepts. Known for his faith-driven leadership, he emphasizes integrity, financial prudence, and community impact, and has been instrumental in shaping Chick-fil-A's identity as a values-driven organization. He is also involved in various philanthropic initiatives through the WinShape Foundation.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/20/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Donald M. "Bubba" Cathy was born into a family of entrepreneurs. His father, S. Truett Cathy, founded Chick-fil-A, and Bubba grew up in the restaurant business, operating a Chick-fil-A in Morrow, Georgia's Southlake Mall prior to attending college. He is the younger brother of Dan T. Cathy, the current chairman and CEO of Chick-fil-A. Bubba earned a bachelor's degree in marketing from Samford University.

Rise to Success

Bubba officially joined Chick-fil-A, Inc. in 1995 as Senior Vice President. He ascended through the ranks, contributing to Chick-fil-A's success over the years. Today, he serves as Executive Vice President and oversees Chick-fil-A's Dwarf House and Truett's Grill restaurant concepts in Georgia. He is also Chairman of STC Brands.

Key Business Strategies

Bubba Cathy's management approach is characterized by integrity, financial responsibility, faith-based principles, and a commitment to empowering employees and uplifting communities. He focuses on maintaining Chick-fil-A's values-driven approach. He played a key role in the development of the Dwarf House and Truett's Grill restaurant concepts.

Philanthropy

Bubba and his wife Cindy are involved in marriage initiatives for the WinShape Foundation, Chick-fil-A's philanthropic arm. The WinShape Foundation was established in 1984 by Truett Cathy and his wife Jeanette. The foundation helps troubled couples strengthen their marriages through counseling and enrichment retreats since 2001. Through the Chick-fil-A Foundation, the company supports youth education and development, provides scholarships for employees, and donates food through its shared table program.

Career Milestones

1976

Managed Chick-fil-A branch

Managed the Southlake Mall branch.

1995

Senior Vice President

Officially named Senior Vice President of Chick-fil-A, Inc.

Early 21st Century

Executive Vice President

Serves as executive vice president and president of the company's Georgia-based Dwarf House and Truett's Grill restaurant concepts.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Youth Education

WinShape Foundation

Undisclosed

Supports youth education and development, provides scholarships for employees, and donates food to those in need.

Marriage Enrichment

WinShape Marriage

Undisclosed

Helps troubled couples strengthen their marriages through counseling and enrichment retreats.

Foster Care

WinShape Homes

Undisclosed

Long-term care program for foster children.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"I was raised in the restaurant business, I always knew I wanted to go into the restaurant business."

Leadership Principles

Faith-Driven Leadership

Emphasizes Christian faith in business practices, including closing on Sundays and prioritizing people over profit.

Integrity

Upholding values that reflect those of Chick-fil-A.

Financial Prudence

Making responsible financial decisions.

Community Impact

Creating a meaningful and lasting impact in the communities it serves.

Controversies & Challenges

2012

Anti-Same Sex Marriage Remarks

Dan Cathy, Bubba's brother, sparked nationwide protests after making anti-same sex marriage remarks.