Whataburger fans in Lawrence, Kansas have reason to celebrate. The popular Texas-based burger chain opened its first location in the state at 707 W 23rd Street on October 28, 2024. This new restaurant brings Whataburger’s signature made-to-order burgers and 24-hour service to the heart of Lawrence.
The Lawrence Whataburger features modern amenities to enhance the dining experience. Customers can enjoy a double drive-thru for quick service, digital menu boards for easy ordering, and self-service kiosks inside the restaurant. A custom mural showcasing local Lawrence landmarks adds a unique touch to the interior decor.
Whataburger’s arrival in Lawrence marks an exciting addition to the city’s fast food scene. The chain is known for its 100% pure American beef patties served on large, toasted five-inch buns. With its convenient location near the University of Kansas campus, the new Whataburger is poised to become a popular spot for students and locals alike.
History of Whataburger in Kansas
Whataburger’s journey into Kansas marks a significant expansion for the Texas-based burger chain. The company’s entry into the Sunflower State brought its distinctive orange-and-white striped restaurants to new territory.
Expansion into Lawrence
Whataburger made its Lawrence debut on October 28, 2024, with a grand opening on 23rd Street. The location quickly became popular among college students and local residents. This new restaurant features modern amenities, including a double drive-thru, ordering kiosks, and digital menu boards both inside and outside.
The Lawrence Whataburger showcases a forward-thinking design while paying homage to the chain’s rich history. It represents a blend of tradition and innovation, catering to the evolving needs of customers in the digital age.
Influence of Harmon Dobson
Harmon Dobson, Whataburger’s founder, played a crucial role in shaping the company’s philosophy. His vision of creating a burger so large it required two hands to hold set the standard for Whataburger’s offerings.
Dobson’s entrepreneurial spirit, which began in Corpus Christi, Texas, in 1950, continues to influence Whataburger’s expansion into new markets like Kansas. His original concept of a burger that would make customers exclaim “What a burger!” remains central to the brand’s identity.
The Lawrence location upholds Dobson’s commitment to quality, serving 100% pure American beef on a toasted five-inch bun. This dedication to the founder’s vision helps maintain Whataburger’s unique position in the competitive fast-food landscape.
The New Lawrence Location Overview
Whataburger’s new Lawrence location brings the iconic Texas chain to Kansas. The restaurant offers convenient accessibility, custom local artwork, and a modern design tailored for the community.
Address and Accessibility
The new Whataburger is located at 707 W. 23rd St. in Lawrence, Kansas. This prime spot sits at the intersection of Louisiana Street and West 23rd Street, providing easy access for locals and visitors alike. The restaurant is a short 1-minute drive from nearby streets like Ohio Street and West 22nd Street. For those coming from further away, it’s only a 5-minute drive from East 23rd Street and Kentucky Street. The location also offers convenient proximity to major routes, being just 8 minutes from South Lawrence Trafficway (KS-10) and Iowa Street.
Custom Lawrence Interior Mural
To celebrate its new home in Lawrence, Whataburger commissioned a custom interior mural. This unique artwork reflects the local culture and community spirit of Lawrence. The mural adds a personalized touch to the restaurant’s interior, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for diners. It serves as a conversation piece and helps integrate the Texas-based chain into the Lawrence landscape.
Construction and Design
The Lawrence Whataburger features a modern design that aligns with the brand’s latest architectural standards. The restaurant boasts digital menu boards, enhancing the ordering experience for customers. A notable feature is the double drive-thru, which aims to improve efficiency and reduce wait times during peak hours. The construction process focused on creating a spacious and welcoming environment for both dine-in and drive-thru customers. The 23rd Street location, formerly occupied by Mi Ranchito, underwent significant renovations to transform it into the signature Whataburger style that patrons know and love.
Menu Offerings Specific to Lawrence
The Whataburger location in Lawrence, Kansas features a diverse menu with both classic favorites and locally-inspired options. Customers can enjoy unique breakfast items and exclusive flavors that cater to local tastes.
Exclusive Local Flavors
Whataburger in Lawrence offers several menu items tailored to Kansas palates. The Jayhawk Burger, a nod to the University of Kansas mascot, features a double meat patty with pepper jack cheese and jalapeños. A special Lawrence-only condiment, Sunflower Sauce, adds a tangy kick to burgers and sandwiches. The restaurant also serves a Kansas City-style BBQ Chicken Sandwich, topped with crispy onion strings and smoky sauce.
Local produce is incorporated into select menu items when in season. The Lawrence Whataburger occasionally features limited-time offers like the Wheat State Wrap, made with locally-sourced wheat tortillas.
Breakfast Options
Breakfast at the Lawrence Whataburger starts early and runs late. The menu includes classic items like the Breakfast on a Bun and Taquitos. Unique to this location is the Lawrence Sunrise Platter, featuring eggs, hash browns, and a choice of bacon or sausage, served with a side of Picante Sauce.
For those seeking a lighter option, the KU Fitness Bowl combines egg whites, turkey sausage, and fresh vegetables. The restaurant also offers a special Jayhawk Coffee Blend, sourced from a local roaster. Breakfast tacos come with a choice of red Picante Sauce or zesty Salsa Verde.
On weekends, the Lawrence location serves an exclusive Brunch Burger topped with a fried egg and crispy hash browns from 10 AM to 2 PM.
Innovative Service Features
Whataburger in Lawrence, KS incorporates modern technology and convenient options to enhance the customer experience. These features streamline ordering and pickup processes for patrons.
Double Drive-Thru Experience
The Lawrence Whataburger location boasts a double drive-thru system. This setup allows the restaurant to serve more customers efficiently, reducing wait times during peak hours. Two separate lanes accommodate a higher volume of vehicles simultaneously.
Drivers can place their orders at digital menu boards, which display items clearly and allow for easy customization. The dual lanes merge into a single pickup window, where staff quickly distribute orders to keep traffic flowing smoothly.
Ordering Kiosks
Inside the restaurant, self-service kiosks offer an alternative to traditional counter ordering. These touchscreen interfaces allow customers to browse the full menu at their own pace. Patrons can customize their meals, review their selections, and pay without assistance.
The kiosks feature user-friendly designs with large, clear images of menu items. They support multiple languages and provide nutritional information. This technology reduces lines at the counter and minimizes order errors.
Online Ordering Services
Whataburger Lawrence embraces digital convenience through its online ordering platform. Customers can place orders via the Whataburger website or mobile app for pickup or delivery. The system remembers previous orders for quick reordering.
Users select their preferred pickup time or delivery window. For drive-thru pickup, customers provide their vehicle details. The kitchen prepares orders based on the scheduled time, ensuring food freshness.
The app also offers exclusive deals and a rewards program. Frequent diners earn points on purchases, redeemable for free menu items.
Operational Details
Whataburger’s Lawrence location operates with specific hours and dedicated partners to serve customers. The restaurant aims to provide quality food and service to the local community.
Operating Hours
Whataburger in Lawrence, Kansas is open daily. The restaurant starts serving customers at 11 a.m. on weekdays and weekends. While not officially confirmed as a 24-hour location, many Whataburger restaurants operate around the clock to cater to late-night diners.
The Lawrence store features digital menu boards, allowing for easy updates to operating hours and menu offerings. This technology enables the restaurant to adapt quickly to customer demand and seasonal changes.
Operating Partners
Whataburger’s Lawrence location is managed by a team of experienced operating partners. While specific names are not publicly disclosed, the company typically selects partners with strong backgrounds in restaurant management and community engagement.
These partners oversee daily operations, ensure quality control, and maintain Whataburger’s standards. They are responsible for hiring and training staff, managing inventory, and implementing company policies.
Local management teams often include individuals familiar with the Lawrence area, helping the restaurant integrate into the community and respond to local preferences.
Community Engagement and Promotions
Whataburger Lawrence KS actively engages with the local community through partnerships and promotional events. The restaurant’s initiatives focus on fostering connections and offering special deals to customers.
Collaboration with Kansas City Chiefs
Whataburger has formed a strategic partnership with the Kansas City Chiefs, leveraging the team’s popularity in the region. Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs’ star quarterback, has been featured in promotional materials for the Lawrence location. The collaboration includes:
• Limited-edition Chiefs-themed menu items
• In-store appearances by Chiefs players
• Game day specials during football season
These joint efforts have helped Whataburger establish a strong presence in Lawrence and connect with sports fans in the area.
Promotional Events and Offers
Whataburger Lawrence KS hosts various promotional events to attract customers and build brand loyalty. Some notable promotions include:
• “Free Whataburger for a Year” contests
• Grand opening celebration with special discounts
• Student nights with discounted meals for college students
• Family meal deals during weekends
The restaurant also participates in local events at Malls Shopping Center, offering food samples and coupons to shoppers. These promotions have helped Whataburger become a popular dining destination in Lawrence.
Impact on Local Economy and Traffic
The new Whataburger location in Lawrence, Kansas is poised to influence local economic dynamics and traffic patterns. Its arrival brings both opportunities and challenges for the community.
Job Creation and Economic Implications
Whataburger’s opening in Lawrence will create new employment opportunities for local residents. The restaurant is expected to hire a mix of full-time and part-time staff, including managers, cooks, and customer service representatives. This influx of jobs could provide a modest boost to the local economy.
The new establishment may also attract more visitors to the area, potentially increasing foot traffic for nearby businesses. This could lead to a ripple effect of increased spending in the surrounding commercial district.
Local tax revenues may see a slight uptick from Whataburger’s operations, contributing to the city’s budget for public services and infrastructure improvements.
Traffic Considerations and Developments
The addition of Whataburger to Lawrence’s dining landscape is likely to impact traffic patterns, particularly along 23rd Street where the restaurant is located. During peak hours, there may be an increase in vehicle congestion near the restaurant.
City planners and traffic engineers might need to assess the need for road improvements or signal adjustments to accommodate the expected increase in traffic flow. This could include adding turn lanes or modifying existing traffic signals to ensure smooth traffic movement.
Parking availability in the immediate vicinity may become a concern, especially if the restaurant proves popular. The city may need to evaluate parking needs and potentially implement new parking strategies to prevent overflow into nearby residential areas.