Chick-fil-A founder S. Truett Cathy died early Monday at his home at the age of 93.
Nearly 50 years after opening the Chick-fil-A restaurant, Cathy's company now has more than $5 billion in annual sales and recently surpassed KFC to become the top chicken fast food chain in the U.S.
The company is now planning a massive national expansion.
Here's why Chick-fil-A is so popular.
1. Chicken sandwich
This chicken sandwich is unrivaled. According to Chick-fil-A, it's "a boneless breast of chicken seasoned to perfection, hand-breaded, pressure cooked in 100% refined peanut oil and served on a toasted, buttered bun with dill pickle chips." While no one knows the secret sauce, copycat recipes call for the chicken breast to be brined in pickle juice. 
2. Waffle Fries
The waffle fries are perfectly crispy and delicious every time. They're also a nice alternative to the classic fries available at most other fast-food chains. 
3. Milkshakes
In addition to the classic flavors, Chick-fil-A has peach and cookies and cream versions. The hand-spun milkshakes are made with Chik-fil-A's own "IceDream" softserve and they are topped with whipped cream and a cherry. The company also offers seasonal flavors. 
4. Awesome breakfast.
Chick-fil-A's chicken biscuit has an avid following. The buttery, warm bread crumbles in your mouth and it's a perfect complement to the juicy, uniquely seasoned fried chicken patty. Other breakfast options include breakfast burritos, parfaits, and oatmeal. 
5. Special events.
Chick-fil-A restaurants often host special events. Recently, it hosted all-you-can-eat nuggets nights.
So whose going to dis with me? Because y'all know I love chick fil a 😋😩😩 pic.twitter.com/8IjcJsAC7Q
— michelle. (@_johnnaaa) March 30, 20146. Sauces.
Chick-fil-A has more condiments than the average fast-food joint. Sauce options include buffalo, buttermilk ranch, barbecue, honey mustard, Polynesian, and the famous Chick-fil-A sauce. 
7. Ice Cream
Chick-fil-A's "IceDream" softserve is so good it even has its own fanpage on Facebook. 
8. Chicken nuggets.
Forget the processed meats of other fast-food chains. Chick-fil-A's chicken nuggets are actually made from whole meat chicken. 
9. Healthy options
Chick-fil-A just revamped its salads and wraps. The company spent years and $50 million perfecting the grilled chicken recipe. 
10. Chick-fil-A now welcomes everyone.
Two years ago, Chick-fil-A CEO Dan Cathy made controversial anti-gay comments that led to a wave of protests.
But in a recent interview with USA Today, Cathy apologized for his comments.
"All of us become more wise as time goes by," he said. "We sincerely care about all people." 
SEE ALSO: The Best Fast Food In America
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