Whataburger, the beloved Texas-based burger chain, has finally made its way to Atlanta, Georgia. The first location opened in Kennesaw on November 28, 2022, marking the beginning of a significant expansion in the Atlanta metro area.
Whataburger plans to open more than 50 restaurants in the Atlanta region over the coming years. This ambitious growth strategy demonstrates the company’s commitment to serving its famous burgers and shakes to eager Georgia customers. The expansion is being carried out through franchisee Made to Order Holdings.
Atlanta residents can now enjoy Whataburger’s signature menu items, including their 100% pure American beef burgers served on large, toasted five-inch buns. The chain’s arrival in Atlanta has been met with enthusiasm from locals who have long awaited the opportunity to experience Whataburger’s distinctive flavors and orange-and-white striped restaurants in their own backyard.
History of Whataburger in Georgia
Whataburger’s journey into Georgia began in the early 2020s as part of the chain’s expansion beyond its Texas roots. The company strategically targeted the Atlanta metropolitan area and surrounding regions for its initial locations in the state.
Initial Expansion to Georgia
Whataburger announced its plans to enter the Georgia market in 2021. The company aimed to establish a strong presence in the state, with a particular focus on the Atlanta area. Whataburger’s expansion strategy included opening multiple locations across Georgia within a short timeframe.
The first Whataburger restaurant in Georgia opened its doors in 2022 in Kennesaw, marking a significant milestone for the brand. This initial location served as a launching pad for further expansion throughout the state.
Whataburger’s Presence in Atlanta Area
Following the successful launch in Kennesaw, Whataburger rapidly expanded its footprint in the Atlanta metropolitan area. The company opened additional locations in Woodstock and Cumming in 2023.
Whataburger’s growth plans included ambitious targets for the region. The chain announced intentions to open more than 50 locations across Georgia over several years. This expansion strategy aimed to establish Whataburger as a prominent player in the state’s fast-food landscape.
Key locations in the Atlanta area included:
- 705 Town Park Lane NW, Kennesaw
- 9766 GA-92, Woodstock
- 503 Lakeland Plaza, Cumming
The company also targeted other Georgia cities for future expansion, including Athens, Monroe, and Covington.
Whataburger Locations in Atlanta
Whataburger has been expanding its presence in the Atlanta metropolitan area. The Texas-based fast food chain now operates several locations in and around the city, offering its signature burgers and shakes to Georgia residents.
Inside the Atlanta Perimeter
Currently, Whataburger has limited options within Atlanta’s perimeter. The chain is gradually establishing its footprint closer to the city center.
One location can be found at 2955 Cobb Parkway in Atlanta. This restaurant serves as a convenient spot for residents and visitors in the northwestern part of the city.
Whataburger is actively seeking additional sites within the perimeter to better serve Atlanta’s urban population.
Outside the Atlanta Perimeter
The majority of Whataburger’s Atlanta-area locations are situated in the suburbs and surrounding cities.
Kennesaw hosts one of the first Whataburger restaurants in the region, located at 705 Town Park Lane NW. Woodstock welcomed a location at 9766 GA-92.
Cumming joined the list with a restaurant at 503 Lakeland Plaza. Additional locations are planned or already open in Buford, Dawsonville, Snellville, and Commerce.
These suburban spots cater to residents in growing communities outside Atlanta’s core. Whataburger aims to open over 50 locations in Georgia in the coming years, significantly expanding its presence in the greater Atlanta area.
Menu Highlights and Specialties
Whataburger in Atlanta offers a diverse menu featuring classic burgers, breakfast items, and limited-time specials. The restaurant prides itself on using 100% pure American beef and serving meals on toasted five-inch buns.
Burgers and Sandwiches
Whataburger’s signature item is its namesake Whataburger, a hefty beef patty topped with fresh vegetables and condiments. The menu includes variations like the Jalapeno & Cheese Whataburger for spice lovers and the Avocado Bacon Burger for those seeking a California-inspired twist.
For chicken enthusiasts, the Whatachick’n Sandwich provides a crispy alternative. The Patty Melt, featuring two beef patties with grilled onions and melted cheese on Texas Toast, is a popular choice for those craving comfort food.
Customization options abound, allowing customers to add extras like bacon, cheese, or jalapenos to any sandwich.
Breakfast Offerings
Whataburger serves breakfast from 11 p.m. to 11 a.m., catering to early risers and night owls alike. The Breakfast on a Bun, a classic combination of egg, cheese, and choice of bacon or sausage, is a quick morning favorite.
For heartier appetites, the Breakfast Platter includes scrambled eggs, a biscuit, gravy, and hash browns. The Taquitos, filled with eggs and various ingredients like cheese, potatoes, or bacon, offer a Tex-Mex breakfast option.
Pancakes and biscuit sandwiches round out the morning menu, accompanied by coffee and orange juice for a complete breakfast experience.
Limited-Time Specials
Whataburger regularly introduces seasonal and limited-time offerings to keep the menu fresh and exciting. These specials often feature unique flavor combinations or twists on classic menu items.
Past specials have included the Hatch Green Chile Bacon Burger, showcasing New Mexico’s famous peppers, and the Pico de Gallo Burger, bringing a fresh, Mexican-inspired topping to the classic Whataburger.
During holiday seasons, Whataburger may offer themed items like peppermint shakes or spicy chicken sandwiches. These time-limited offerings encourage customers to try new flavors and return to see what’s next on the menu.
Dining Experience and Services
Whataburger’s Atlanta locations offer multiple convenient options for customers to enjoy their meals. From quick drive-thru service to comfortable dine-in experiences, the restaurant caters to various preferences and needs.
Drive-Thru Service
Whataburger’s drive-thru service provides a fast and efficient way for customers to grab their favorite meals on the go. The drive-thru lanes are designed for quick order placement and pickup, minimizing wait times during peak hours.
Staff members are trained to handle orders promptly and accurately, ensuring that customers receive their food hot and fresh. The menu boards display clearly readable options, making it easy for customers to select their desired items.
Drive-thru service is available during all operating hours, accommodating early risers and late-night cravings alike.
Dine-In Atmosphere
For those who prefer to enjoy their meals inside, Whataburger offers a welcoming dine-in atmosphere. The restaurants feature clean, well-maintained dining areas with ample seating options for individuals, couples, and groups.
The interior design incorporates Whataburger’s signature orange and white color scheme, creating a bright and inviting space. Tables and booths are spaced comfortably, allowing for a relaxed dining experience.
Self-service drink stations are available, giving customers the freedom to refill their beverages as needed. The dining area is kept clean and tidy by attentive staff members throughout the day.
Curbside Delivery and App Ordering
Whataburger has embraced modern convenience with curbside delivery and app ordering options. Customers can place orders through the Whataburger mobile app or website, customizing their meals to their liking.
The app provides a user-friendly interface, allowing customers to browse the menu, save favorite orders, and track their rewards. Once an order is placed, customers can choose to pick it up via curbside delivery.
For curbside service, designated parking spots are available. Customers simply park in these spots and alert the staff of their arrival through the app. A team member then brings the order directly to the customer’s vehicle, ensuring a contactless and efficient pickup process.
Community Engagement and Events
Whataburger actively participates in Atlanta’s vibrant community life through partnerships and projects. The company’s involvement extends beyond serving food to fostering meaningful connections with local organizations and residents.
Local Partnerships
Whataburger collaborates with Atlanta-based sports teams and educational institutions. The company sponsors high school football games, providing support for local athletics. Partnerships with colleges in the area focus on addressing food insecurity among students.
Whataburger sets up resource rooms on campuses, offering food and essential supplies to students in need. These initiatives aim to promote academic success by ensuring students have access to proper nutrition.
The restaurant chain also teams up with Atlanta charities for fundraising events. These collaborations often involve special menu items, with a portion of sales donated to local causes.
Community Projects
Whataburger organizes volunteer opportunities for its employees in Atlanta. The “Whataburger Serves” program encourages staff to engage in community service projects throughout the city.
These projects range from park clean-ups to food drives for local shelters. Employees participate in building homes with housing charities and mentoring programs in Atlanta schools.
During holidays, Whataburger hosts community events at its Atlanta locations. These gatherings feature family-friendly activities and often include appearances by local celebrities or athletes.
The company also supports disaster relief efforts in Atlanta when needed, providing meals and resources to affected areas. This quick response strengthens Whataburger’s relationship with the community during challenging times.
Career Opportunities at Whataburger
Whataburger offers exciting career paths for individuals seeking growth in the food service industry. The company provides a range of positions, from entry-level team members to management roles.
Team Member positions are available at Whataburger locations in Atlanta, GA. These roles offer a chance to gain valuable customer service experience and learn about restaurant operations.
For those looking to advance their careers, Whataburger offers leadership development programs. These initiatives help employees build the skills needed to move into management positions.
The company values community involvement. Employees have opportunities to participate in local outreach efforts, making a positive impact in their neighborhoods.
Whataburger provides competitive benefits packages to eligible employees. These may include health insurance options and other perks to support staff well-being.
Job seekers can find Whataburger openings on popular employment websites. The company regularly posts new positions, including roles for Restaurant Managers and Restaurant Staff.
Whataburger’s career opportunities extend beyond restaurant operations. The company also hires for corporate and support roles to keep the business running smoothly.
Customer Rewards and Incentives
Whataburger offers a rewards program to incentivize customer loyalty. The program recently shifted to a points-based system, moving away from its previous visit-based model.
Customers now earn 10 points for every dollar spent, both in-store and through online orders. This change allows for more frequent rewards accumulation compared to the previous system.
The new program expands redemption options, giving customers access to a wider variety of menu items. Rewards can be redeemed for main dishes, sides, and beverages.
Points remain valid for up to one year, giving customers ample time to accumulate and use their rewards. This extended expiration period encourages continued patronage.
Whataburger’s app plays a crucial role in the rewards program. It allows customers to track their points, place orders, and redeem rewards conveniently.
The company automatically converted existing visits and rewards from the previous program to points. Additionally, Whataburger credited 500 points to all active reward accounts during the transition.
This updated rewards structure aims to enhance customer engagement and satisfaction. It provides more flexibility and value for frequent Whataburger patrons in Atlanta and other locations.
Operational Hours and Holiday Schedules
Whataburger in Atlanta offers extensive operating hours to serve customers around the clock. The chain maintains consistent schedules for most locations while adjusting hours during holidays to accommodate both customers and staff.
Standard Operating Hours
Whataburger restaurants in Atlanta typically operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This round-the-clock service ensures that customers can satisfy their burger cravings at any time.
Most Atlanta locations follow this schedule:
- Monday: Open 24 Hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 Hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 Hours
- Thursday: Open 24 Hours
- Friday: Open 24 Hours
- Saturday: Open 24 Hours
- Sunday: Open 24 Hours
This consistent schedule makes Whataburger a reliable option for late-night diners and early risers alike.
Extended Hours Locations
While many Whataburger restaurants in Atlanta operate 24/7, some locations may have extended hours rather than full 24-hour service. These extended-hour locations often open early in the morning and close late at night.
Typical extended hours might be:
- Opening at 6:00 AM
- Closing at 11:00 PM or midnight
Extended hours locations are usually found in areas with specific operating restrictions or within venues that have limited access times.
Holiday Hours Variations
Whataburger adjusts its hours during holidays to balance customer demand with employee needs. Most holidays see regular operating hours, but Christmas Day is an exception.
Holiday schedule:
- New Year’s Day: Regular Hours
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Regular Hours
- Presidents’ Day: Regular Hours
- Christmas Eve: Open until 6:00 PM
- Christmas Day: Closed
- December 26: Reopens at 6:00 AM
Other holidays may have reduced hours. It’s best to check with local restaurants for specific holiday schedules.