Top US religious companies with Christian roots

Some religious companies in the US publicly show their Christian faith through their products.
Religious companies, such as Forever 21 and Chick-Fil-A, publicly show their Christian faith. Image: Marcus Urbenz|Unsplash

Many shoppers in the United States might be surprised to learn how staunchly conservative many religious companies are. 

In most cases, it results from a religious founder imparting their beliefs to subsequent generations. Also, some businesses are not ashamed to display their religious affiliations. 

Moreover, many organizations are created by believers, not just those commenting publicly on their principles.

Top Religious Companies in the US with Christian Roots

The New York Times stated that most religious businesses were started by politically and socially conservative evangelical Protestants. 

The underlying philosophical divides among Christians who worry about corporate ethics might be hidden by focusing on specific behaviors like quotes or gospel music.

If you are a Christian looking for religious companies, check this list and see the top religious companies in the country. 

Chick-Fil-A

  • Founder: Samuel Truett Cathy
  • Religious affiliation: Southern Baptist

Truett Cathy, a fervent Southern Baptist, founded Chick-fil-A in 1946 in Hapeville, Georgia. Since then, the company has expanded to over 1,500 stores in 39 states across the United States. 

The founder’s religious convictions inspired the company’s longstanding policy of closing on Sundays.

Forever 21

  • Founders: Do Won Chang and Jin Sook Chang
  • Religious affiliation: Born-again Christians

The millennial generation loves shopping at Forever 21, which sells fashionable clothing and accessories. Every grocery bag has the Bible verse John 3:16 printed on the bottom.

It’s a small thing, but it shows that the company’s beliefs are aligned with those of its Christian owners.

In-N-Out Burger

  • Founders: Harry Snyder and Esther Snyder
  • Religious affiliation: Christian

In the 1980s, when Rich Snyder took over as CEO of In-N-Out, he began printing Bible passages on the company’s cups and another packaging out of a belief that the business should reflect the values of the Snyder family.

Deseret News reported that Snyder started the new burger chain on the West Coast and was a born-again Christian.

He early chose to use the corporation as a platform to preach. The enterprise has maintained this practice ever since.

Hobby Lobby

  • Founder: David Green
  • Religious affiliation: Evangelical Christian

Across the United States, you may find more than 500 Hobby Lobby locations specializing in arts and crafts supplies. 

Like many other Christian businesses, Hobby Lobby makes no secret of its devotion to Christianity. 

Since 1997, the firm has sponsored full-page newspaper ads on major religious holidays, including Christmas and Easter.

Curves

  • Founders: Gary Heavin and Diane Heavin
  • Religious affiliation: Evangelical Christian

Curves gyms are well-known for providing a welcoming, no-men zone for women of all ages and body types.  

The Insider shared that Gary Heavin is a born-again Christian whose conservative political beliefs and donations to anti-abortion causes have earned him criticism.

The Heavins family enjoys life’s basic pleasures together and is careful never to take God’s many gifts for granted.

Carl’s Jr. 

  • Founder: Carl N. Karcher
  • Religious affiliation: Catholic

Working at Carl Jr’s is a great way to kick off the day. The Pledge of Allegiance and prayer are at the beginning of every meeting at this well-known fast-food company. This is, without a doubt, one of the most Christian-friendly workplaces around.

According to Favs News, the company’s founder Carl Karcher was a devout Catholic who instituted the now-standard opening prayer and pledge. 

Karcher was close with the company’s CEO, Andy Puzder, and they share the same religious beliefs.

Tyson Foods

  • Founder: John W. Tyson
  • Religious affiliation: Christian

John Tyson’s Tyson Foods Co. has 120 full-time chaplains who work at the company’s many offices.

Tyson is candid about the company’s beliefs, including its commitment to recognizing God and welcoming people of all faiths.

Per Deseret, Tyson recently gave money to the University of Arkansas to establish the Tyson Center for Faith and Spirituality in the Workplace.

Trijicon

  • Founder: Glyn Bindon
  • Religious affiliation: Christian faith

In 2010, Trijicon, a manufacturer of optical sighting equipment for firearms, became controversial after ABC News revealed that it had hidden coded references to Bible verses on some of its products.

For instance, the JN8:12 is etched into the Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight). It’s a quote from John 8:12.

eHarmony

  • Founder: Neil Clark Warren
  • Religious affiliation: Evangelical Christian

eHarmony is one of the most well-known online services for finding a life partner. Dr. Neil Clark Warren, the movement’s other co-founder, is a famous evangelical Christian theologian.

In 2000, he was a co-creator of the site. The business has persisted while advocating for Christian morals and values, particularly concerning marriage.

Cook Out

  • Founder: Morris Reaves
  • Religious affiliation: Christian faith

The Southern fast food chain’s low prices, tasty milkshakes, and Christian ambiance have earned it a devoted fan base. 

Bible passages are printed on the cups and other packaging, and Christian rock is played on repeat at several of the restaurants.

Wendy’s

  • Founder: Dave Thomas
  • Religious affiliation: Guided by Christian values

For Favs News, you may believe Wendy’s founder Dave Thomas was humble. 

Because of how crucial they were to him, he embedded his core beliefs into the structure of his company.

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Kathleen Orenza

My faith in the Christian Church has been an integral part of who I am. From a young age, I was taught the significance of the sacraments, the beauty of prayer, and the guiding principles of love and compassion. Through the years, my faith matured, and I sought deeper connections with my beliefs. With Crossmap, it has reinforced my devotion to the Christian faith and allowed me to play a small role in spreading the love and teachings of Christ in the digital age.