Texas is home to a unique Whataburger location that stands out from all others. The two-story Whataburger in Corpus Christi offers diners an elevated fast food experience. Located at 121 N. Shoreline Blvd, this 6,000 square foot restaurant is the largest Whataburger in the world.
The spacious building features panoramic views of Corpus Christi Bay and the city’s marina from its rooftop patio. Guests can enjoy their meals while taking in scenic vistas not typically associated with fast food dining. This location also boasts the distinction of being the only Whataburger with an elevator, ensuring accessibility for all patrons.
This flagship restaurant pays homage to Whataburger’s history while providing a modern dining experience. Its prime waterfront location and expanded size allow it to serve as both a local landmark and a destination for Whataburger enthusiasts. The two-story design creates a memorable setting for enjoying the chain’s popular burgers and sides.
History of Whataburger
Whataburger’s journey from a small burger stand to a beloved regional chain spans over seven decades. The company’s growth and evolution reflect its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
Founding by Harmon Dobson
Harmon Dobson and Paul Burton founded Whataburger in 1950. They opened the first restaurant in Corpus Christi, Texas. Dobson’s vision was to create a burger so big that it required two hands to hold and would make customers exclaim, “What a burger!”
The original Whataburger sold for 25 cents and was served on a 5-inch bun. Dobson focused on quality ingredients and customer service from the start.
By 1951, Whataburger had expanded to four locations across Texas.
Expansion and Brand Evolution
Whataburger grew steadily through the 1960s and 1970s. The company introduced its iconic orange-and-white striped design for restaurants in 1969.
By 1980, Whataburger had opened its 300th location. In 1982, select Corpus Christi restaurants began operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The menu expanded beyond burgers to include items like the Breakfast On A Bun and Whatachick’n. Whataburger’s Fancy Ketchup became a customer favorite.
In 2019, the Dobson family sold the company to BDT & MSD Partners, a private equity firm. Whataburger continues to operate as a regional chain, maintaining its Texas roots and commitment to quality.
Iconic Location on Shoreline Blvd
The two-story Whataburger at 121 N. Shoreline Blvd in Corpus Christi stands out as a landmark destination. Its prime waterfront location and unique design make it a must-visit spot for locals and tourists alike.
Whataburger by the Bay Features
This Whataburger boasts an impressive 6,000 square-foot space spread across two floors. The restaurant’s orange and white exterior is instantly recognizable, reflecting the brand’s iconic colors.
An elevator provides easy access to both levels. The second floor offers panoramic views of the bay, marina, and surrounding area.
Visitors can enjoy their meals while taking in scenic vistas of Corpus Christi Bay. The spacious interior accommodates more customers than typical Whataburger locations.
Open 24 hours a day, this restaurant caters to guests at all hours. Its waterfront setting creates a unique dining experience that combines fast food convenience with picturesque surroundings.
Strategic Importance of Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi holds special significance for Whataburger as the chain’s birthplace. This two-story location pays homage to the brand’s roots while showcasing its growth.
The city’s coastal position makes it an ideal spot for this flagship restaurant. Shoreline Blvd serves as a main thoroughfare, ensuring high visibility and easy access for visitors.
Nearby attractions like the marina and bay draw steady foot traffic. This strategic placement allows Whataburger to capture both locals and tourists seeking waterfront dining options.
The restaurant’s proximity to other Corpus Christi landmarks reinforces its status as a local institution. It stands as a testament to Whataburger’s enduring presence in its hometown.
Architectural Design
Whataburger’s two-story restaurant design represents a unique approach to fast-food architecture. The innovative concept maximizes space utilization while maintaining the brand’s iconic aesthetic.
Two-Story Concept
The two-story Whataburger buildings stand out from typical single-level fast-food restaurants. These structures feature the familiar orange and white color scheme, but with a vertical twist. The design incorporates large windows on both floors, allowing natural light to flood the interior.
The ground floor typically houses the main dining area and kitchen. Customers can access the second level via stairs or an elevator. This vertical expansion allows Whataburger to serve more guests in areas with limited lot sizes.
Use of Space
Two-story Whataburger locations often span approximately 6,000 square feet. This increased square footage enables creative space allocation. The upper level may include additional seating, private dining areas, or meeting rooms.
The expanded vertical space allows for higher ceilings, creating an open and airy atmosphere. Some locations feature outdoor seating on balconies or rooftop areas, offering unique dining experiences.
Kitchen operations are typically streamlined across both levels. Food preparation may occur on one floor, with efficient systems to transport orders between levels.
Menu Highlights
Whataburger’s menu offers a diverse selection of made-to-order favorites. The two-story location in Corpus Christi showcases an expanded menu with classic staples and innovative offerings.
Signature Burgers
Whataburger’s Original remains a timeless favorite. It features a fresh beef patty, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, diced onions, and mustard on a large toasted bun. The Chop House Cheddar Burger is a limited-time specialty item, combining premium ingredients for a gourmet taste.
Whataburger Jr. provides a smaller option for those with lighter appetites. Each burger can be customized with additional toppings or condiments to suit individual preferences.
Breakfast Assortment
The breakfast menu caters to early risers and late-night diners alike. Taquitos, filled with eggs and various ingredients, offer a Tex-Mex twist. Pancakes and biscuits provide classic morning comfort.
Whataburger’s signature coffee pairs well with any breakfast selection. For those seeking a heartier start, breakfast platters combine eggs, hash browns, and choice of meat.
Chicken Selections
Whataburger’s chicken options rival their beef counterparts in popularity. The Whatachick’n Sandwich features a crispy breaded chicken fillet with fresh toppings. For health-conscious diners, the Grilled Chicken Sandwich offers a leaner alternative.
Chicken strips, available as a meal or à la carte, come with a choice of dipping sauces. These versatile menu items can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or as a satisfying snack.
Customer Experience
The two-story Whataburger offers a unique dining experience with its spacious layout and scenic views. Customers can enjoy their meals in a comfortable atmosphere while taking in the surroundings.
Dine-In Atmosphere
The two-story Whataburger provides an elevated dining experience, quite literally. The upper level features large windows that offer panoramic bay views, allowing patrons to enjoy their meals with a scenic backdrop. Comfortable seating arrangements accommodate various group sizes.
An elevator ensures accessibility for all customers, making it easy to reach the second floor. The restaurant’s design incorporates Whataburger’s signature orange-and-white color scheme, creating a familiar yet distinctive ambiance.
The spacious interior reduces crowding, even during peak hours. This allows for a more relaxed dining experience compared to typical fast-food establishments.
Service Efficiency
Despite its larger size, the two-story Whataburger maintains the brand’s commitment to quick service. Multiple ordering stations on both floors help manage customer flow efficiently.
The kitchen is equipped to handle increased capacity, ensuring food preparation times remain consistent with single-story locations. Staff members are trained to navigate the two-floor layout, delivering orders promptly to customers regardless of their seating location.
Drive-thru service is available for those preferring a quicker option. The restaurant’s 24-hour operation caters to late-night cravings and early risers alike.
Self-service drink stations and condiment bars are conveniently placed on both floors, reducing congestion and improving the overall dining experience.