Whataburger, the beloved fast food chain known for its mouthwatering burgers, operates with unique hours that cater to burger enthusiasts around the clock. Most Whataburger locations are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 364 days a year. This dedication to serving customers at any time has made Whataburger a go-to option for late-night cravings and early morning breakfasts alike.
The restaurant’s commitment to accessibility is evident in its holiday schedule. On Christmas Eve, Whataburger restaurants typically close at 6 p.m., reopening at 6 a.m. on December 26th. This brief closure allows employees to spend time with their families during the holiday season while ensuring minimal disruption to burger lovers’ routines.
History and Brand Overview
Whataburger’s journey from a single burger stand to a beloved regional chain spans over seven decades. The company’s commitment to quality and community has shaped its identity and growth.
Origin and Expansion
Harmon Dobson and Paul Burton founded Whataburger in 1950, opening their first restaurant in Corpus Christi, Texas. The chain quickly gained popularity for its large, custom-made burgers.
By 1979, Whataburger introduced a breakfast menu, expanding its offerings beyond burgers. In 1982, the company made a significant move by operating 24 hours a day, catering to customers at all hours.
Whataburger’s growth continued steadily. The chain expanded across Texas and into neighboring states, maintaining its focus on made-to-order burgers and friendly service.
Whataburger in Popular Culture
Whataburger has become an iconic Texas brand, deeply woven into the state’s cultural fabric. Its orange-and-white-striped restaurants are instantly recognizable landmarks.
The chain’s popularity extends to social media. In 2013, Whataburger’s Facebook page reached 1 million fans, just over a year after its launch.
Whataburger’s influence goes beyond restaurants. In 2013, the company began selling its Fancy Ketchup, Spicy Ketchup, and Original Mustard in H-E-B stores and online, allowing fans to enjoy these flavors at home.
The brand continues to adapt to changing consumer needs. In 2019, Whataburger launched online ordering through its app and website, embracing digital convenience while maintaining its commitment to quality food and service.
Operating Hours
Whataburger is known for its extensive operating hours, offering customers access to their menu items throughout much of the day and night. The chain’s hours can vary by location and may be impacted by holidays.
Regular Operating Hours
Most Whataburger restaurants operate on a 24-hour schedule, serving customers around the clock. These locations offer their full menu during regular business hours, typically from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM. From 11:00 PM to 11:00 AM, they serve their breakfast menu alongside select regular menu items.
Some Whataburger locations may have slightly different hours, especially in smaller towns or cities. It’s always best to check with your local restaurant for their specific operating hours.
Holiday Hours
Whataburger generally remains open during most holidays, though hours may be adjusted. On major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, some locations may close or operate with reduced hours.
New Year’s Day, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, and Easter Sunday usually see normal operating hours. Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day typically maintain regular schedules as well.
Thanksgiving Day often has reduced hours, with many locations closing early. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day may see closures or limited hours at some restaurants. New Year’s Eve usually maintains normal hours, but may have extended late-night service in some areas.
24/7 Locations
Many Whataburger restaurants operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. These locations provide customers with round-the-clock access to their favorite menu items.
24/7 Whataburgers are particularly common in larger cities and along major highways. They offer a full breakfast menu from 11:00 PM to 11:00 AM, while still serving popular items like the Whataburger and Whatachick’n sandwiches.
Not all Whataburger locations operate 24/7, so it’s important to verify the hours of your local restaurant. Some 24-hour locations may have drive-thru only service during late-night hours for safety reasons.
Menu and Ordering Options
Whataburger offers a diverse menu with signature items and convenient ordering options. Customers can enjoy their favorites through various channels, including online and mobile platforms.
Signature Items
Whataburger’s menu features iconic burgers like the Whataburger and Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit. The Double Meat Whataburger and Triple Meat Whataburger cater to hearty appetites. For breakfast, patrons can savor taquitos and biscuit sandwiches.
Sides include crispy fries, onion rings, and apple slices. The restaurant also serves salads for health-conscious diners. Seasonal offerings and limited-time specials add variety to the menu.
Online and Mobile Ordering
Whataburger provides digital ordering options for customer convenience. The official website and mobile app allow users to browse the menu, customize orders, and select pickup or delivery.
Curbside pickup is available at many locations. Customers can place orders in advance and have them brought to their cars. Delivery services partner with Whataburger to bring meals directly to homes and offices.
The Whataburger app offers exclusive deals and tracks reward points. Users can save favorite orders for quick reordering.
Nutritional Information
Whataburger provides nutritional details for its menu items. Calorie counts and ingredient lists are accessible on the website and app. This information helps customers make informed choices based on dietary needs or preferences.
Low-calorie options include grilled chicken sandwiches and garden salads. For gluten-sensitive individuals, burgers can be ordered without buns or with gluten-free alternatives at some locations.
The company offers customization options to accommodate various dietary restrictions. Customers can request modifications such as no cheese or extra vegetables to suit their nutritional goals.
Community Engagement
Whataburger actively participates in local initiatives and charitable activities to strengthen its bond with communities. The company focuses on making meaningful connections through various programs and partnerships.
Local Initiatives
Whataburger’s community involvement extends beyond serving food. The company sponsors Texas high school football games, fostering local pride and supporting youth athletics. Whataburger also collaborates with local charities, demonstrating its commitment to regional causes.
The restaurant chain organizes “Orange Spirit Week” annually around August 8th to celebrate its birthday. During this week, Whataburger employees engage in service projects benefiting organizations that create positive impacts in their communities.
Charitable Activities
Whataburger’s signature community program, “Feeding Student Success,” addresses food insecurity and education. The initiative supports college resource rooms and provides scholarships, helping students overcome barriers to academic success.
Through “Whataburger Serves,” employees participate in community service projects. These range from local clean-up efforts to supporting food banks. In 2019, Whataburger donated over one million dollars and contributed more than 1,000 volunteer hours during Orange Spirit Week alone.
The company encourages employees to engage in charity runs, school fundraisers, and other community events. This approach not only benefits local communities but also fosters a sense of purpose and engagement among Whataburger staff.
Careers at Whataburger
Whataburger offers diverse career paths and growth opportunities for employees. The company provides competitive benefits and leadership development programs to support staff advancement.
Working at Whataburger
Whataburger employs team members across its 890+ restaurants in 14 states. Positions range from entry-level crew to restaurant management roles. The company emphasizes a positive work environment and community involvement.
Employees receive health benefits and competitive salaries. Whataburger promotes a flexible scheduling system to accommodate different needs and lifestyles.
Shift times vary based on restaurant needs and employee availability. Some common shifts include morning, afternoon, and evening rotations.
Growth and Opportunities
Whataburger invests in employee development through leadership training programs. Staff can advance from entry-level positions to supervisory and management roles.
The company’s expansion across multiple states creates new job openings regularly. Employees gain skills in customer service, food safety, and restaurant operations.
Whataburger encourages internal promotions, allowing motivated team members to climb the career ladder. Leadership roles offer increased responsibilities and earning potential.
Professional growth opportunities extend beyond restaurant operations into corporate positions in areas like marketing, finance, and human resources.
Merchandise and Partnerships
Whataburger extends its brand beyond food through merchandise offerings and strategic collaborations. These initiatives allow fans to showcase their love for the chain and experience the brand in new ways.
Official Merchandise
The Whatastore serves as Whataburger’s official merchandise outlet. It offers a wide range of branded items for enthusiasts. Clothing options include t-shirts, hoodies, and hats featuring the iconic Whataburger logo.
Accessories like phone cases, keychains, and water bottles are also available. For home decor, fans can find wall art, throw pillows, and blankets. The store even sells Whataburger-themed board games and playing cards.
Seasonal collections are released throughout the year, often tied to holidays or special events. Limited edition items frequently sell out quickly due to high demand from collectors.
Partnerships and Collaborations
Whataburger engages in partnerships to expand its reach and offer unique products. The chain has collaborated with local artists to create special edition merchandise designs.
Sports team partnerships have resulted in co-branded items for fans of both Whataburger and specific teams. These often include apparel and collectibles featuring combined logos.
The company has also worked with breweries to produce Whataburger-inspired beers. These limited releases generate buzz and allow customers to enjoy the brand’s flavors in a new form.
Whataburger occasionally teams up with other brands for cross-promotional campaigns. These collaborations often result in exclusive merchandise or menu items available for a limited time.