Whataburger, the beloved Texas-based fast food chain, is expanding its team across 14 states. The company offers a range of exciting career opportunities for individuals seeking to join the restaurant industry. Whataburger provides competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits packages, and training programs to support aspiring restaurant leaders.
Potential candidates can explore various positions within the Whataburger family. Restaurant managers have the opportunity to earn up to $60,000 annually, while Operating Partners may reach six-figure salaries. The company also offers flexible schedules, college scholarships, and health benefits to attract and retain talented employees.
Whataburger’s hiring process is designed to match candidates with roles that align with their interests and skills. Job seekers can upload their resumes or sign up for personalized job recommendations through the company’s career portal. With over 890 restaurants and ongoing expansion plans, Whataburger continues to create new employment opportunities across its network.
Whataburger Company Overview
Whataburger has grown from a single burger stand to a beloved regional fast-food chain with a distinctive orange-and-white striped aesthetic. The company prides itself on fresh, made-to-order burgers and a strong sense of family among its employees and customers.
History and Expansion
Whataburger began in 1950 when Harmon Dobson opened the first restaurant in Corpus Christi, Texas. The original Whataburger was sold for 25 cents and was so large it required two hands to hold. By 1960, the chain had expanded to 17 locations across Texas.
Whataburger’s growth continued steadily over the decades. The company reached its 100th restaurant in 1972 and its 500th in 1995. Today, Whataburger operates over 890 locations across 14 states, stretching from Arizona to Florida.
The chain’s iconic A-frame buildings with orange-and-white stripes became a recognizable landmark in many communities. Whataburger has maintained its commitment to quality ingredients and made-to-order food throughout its expansion.
Whataburger Family Culture
Whataburger cultivates a strong family-oriented culture among its employees and customers. The company refers to its workforce as the “Whataburger Family” and emphasizes values like passion, curiosity, and authenticity in its hiring process.
This family-centric approach extends to customer service, with Whataburger aiming to create a welcoming atmosphere in its restaurants. Many locations operate 24/7, serving as community gathering spots.
The company offers competitive salaries, benefits, and leadership development programs to its employees. Whataburger encourages career growth, providing opportunities for advancement from entry-level positions to restaurant management roles.
Community involvement is another key aspect of Whataburger’s culture. The company supports various local initiatives and charitable causes in the areas where it operates, further strengthening its ties to the communities it serves.
Career Opportunities
Whataburger offers diverse career paths for individuals seeking growth in the fast food industry. The company provides opportunities at various levels, from entry-level positions to leadership roles.
Team Members
Team Members form the backbone of Whataburger’s operations. They serve customers, prepare food, and maintain restaurant cleanliness. New hires receive comprehensive training on food safety, customer service, and kitchen procedures.
Whataburger values reliability and a positive attitude in Team Members. Flexible scheduling allows employees to balance work with personal commitments. Many Team Members start part-time and transition to full-time roles as they gain experience.
The company encourages internal promotion, giving Team Members chances to advance their careers. Exceptional performers may be considered for leadership training programs.
Team Leaders
Team Leaders play a crucial role in daily restaurant management. They supervise Team Members, ensure quality standards, and handle customer concerns. Whataburger promotes many Team Leaders from within, recognizing their skills and dedication.
Leadership training equips Team Leaders with essential management skills. They learn to create schedules, manage inventory, and motivate their teams. Problem-solving and communication abilities are highly valued in this position.
Team Leaders often act as mentors to newer employees. They help maintain a positive work environment and foster teamwork among staff members.
Restaurant Leader
Restaurant Leaders oversee entire Whataburger locations. They manage all aspects of restaurant operations, including staff development, financial performance, and customer satisfaction. This role requires strong business acumen and leadership skills.
Whataburger provides extensive training for Restaurant Leaders. Programs cover topics such as profit management, food cost control, and team building. Leaders also learn about local marketing strategies and community engagement.
Restaurant Leaders work closely with regional managers to implement company initiatives. They play a key role in maintaining Whataburger’s brand standards and driving business growth.
Application Process
Whataburger’s hiring process involves several steps to find qualified candidates. The company looks for passionate, curious, and authentic individuals to join their team.
Application Requirements
Interested applicants can start by visiting Whataburger’s official careers page. Here, candidates can browse available positions based on their interests and location. To apply, select the desired role and click the apply button.
Most positions require creating an account on Whataburger’s job portal. This allows applicants to track their application status and receive updates.
Candidates should provide accurate personal information, work history, and relevant skills. Some roles may require additional documents like resumes or references.
Interview Procedures
After submitting an application, qualified candidates may be contacted for an interview. The interview process typically begins within a week of application submission.
Interviews can be conducted in-person at a Whataburger location or virtually, depending on the position and circumstances. Candidates should dress professionally and arrive prepared to discuss their experience and skills.
Interviewers often ask about customer service skills, teamwork abilities, and availability. They may also present scenarios to assess problem-solving skills.
Selection Criteria
Whataburger evaluates candidates based on several factors. These include:
- Passion for the role and company
- Customer service skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Teamwork and communication abilities
- Availability and flexibility
- Previous relevant experience (for some positions)
The company values individuals who show enthusiasm for their work and can contribute positively to the team. Candidates who demonstrate these qualities are more likely to progress in the hiring process.
Hiring decisions are typically made soon after the interview process concludes. Successful applicants will be contacted with a job offer and next steps for onboarding.
Training and Development
Whataburger invests heavily in employee growth through comprehensive training programs and ongoing development opportunities. The company prioritizes cultivating talent from within to build a strong leadership pipeline.
Initial Training Programs
New Whataburger team members undergo thorough onboarding and initial training. This includes learning food safety protocols, customer service best practices, and operational procedures. Hands-on training covers food preparation techniques, equipment usage, and order fulfillment processes.
Team members receive guidance on Whataburger’s core values and service standards. Role-specific training prepares employees for their particular responsibilities. New hires shadow experienced staff members to gain practical experience.
Leadership trainees participate in an intensive management program. This covers topics like team supervision, inventory management, and financial reporting. Trainees rotate through different restaurant positions to gain a holistic understanding of operations.
Ongoing Development Opportunities
Whataburger offers continuous learning opportunities for all employees. Regular skills workshops help team members refine their abilities and stay current on company practices. Online training modules allow for self-paced development in various areas.
High-potential employees can join leadership development programs. These prepare staff for advancement into management roles. Participants receive mentoring from senior leaders and work on real-world business projects.
Cross-training initiatives enable team members to learn multiple positions. This increases operational flexibility and provides growth opportunities. Whataburger also offers tuition assistance for employees pursuing relevant education.
Employment Policies
Whataburger maintains fair and inclusive employment practices. The company prioritizes equal opportunities and flexible scheduling to accommodate team members’ needs.
Equal Opportunity Employment
Whataburger is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The company does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotions, and terminations.
Whataburger actively promotes diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The company values different perspectives and experiences, believing they contribute to a stronger, more innovative team.
Scheduling and Availability
Whataburger offers flexible scheduling options to accommodate team members’ personal commitments and preferences. The company typically uses an electronic scheduling system, allowing employees to view and request shifts easily.
Team members are expected to communicate their availability clearly and promptly. Managers strive to create fair and balanced schedules that meet both business needs and employee preferences.
Whataburger may require employees to work varying shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. The company aims to provide advance notice of schedules to help team members plan accordingly.
Work Environment
Whataburger fosters a dynamic workplace that balances teamwork with individual growth. The company prioritizes employee wellbeing and creates opportunities for career advancement.
Culture and Communication
Whataburger prides itself on its family-like atmosphere. Team members often describe the workplace as supportive and inclusive. The company encourages open communication between all levels of staff.
Regular team meetings keep everyone informed about company updates and goals. Managers provide frequent feedback to help employees improve their skills. Whataburger also uses digital platforms to streamline communication across locations.
The company values diversity and strives to create an environment where all employees feel respected. Team-building activities are organized to strengthen relationships among coworkers.
Physical Requirements of the Job
Working at Whataburger involves various physical demands. Employees must be able to stand for extended periods, often up to several hours per shift. Lifting and carrying items weighing up to 50 pounds is a common requirement.
The fast-paced environment requires quick movements and multitasking abilities. Staff members frequently bend, reach, and stretch to perform their duties. Handling hot equipment and food items is part of daily tasks.
Good hand-eye coordination is essential for food preparation and customer service roles. Employees should be comfortable working in areas with fluctuating temperatures, including hot kitchens and cold storage spaces.