Whataburger, the beloved Texas-based fast food chain, has expanded its reach across the United States. With over 1,000 locations spanning 16 states, Whataburger has become a regional powerhouse in the burger industry. The restaurant chain’s locations are primarily concentrated in the southern United States, with Texas boasting the highest number of Whataburger restaurants.
Fans of the iconic orange and white striped buildings can easily locate their nearest Whataburger using online tools and mobile apps. These resources provide detailed maps and search functions, allowing customers to find restaurants by city, state, or zip code. The widespread distribution of Whataburger locations ensures that many Americans can enjoy the chain’s signature burgers, served on toasted five-inch buns.
Whataburger continues to grow, with plans to open new locations in additional cities and states. This expansion strategy aims to bring the Whataburger experience to more communities across the country. As the restaurant chain’s footprint grows, so does its loyal customer base, eager to savor the taste of Whataburger’s 100% pure American beef burgers.
History of Whataburger
Whataburger’s journey began in 1950 as a small burger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas. The company grew from a single location to a beloved regional chain, expanding across several states while maintaining its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
Founding by Harmon Dobson
Harmon Dobson founded Whataburger on August 8, 1950, in Corpus Christi, Texas. His vision was to create a burger so big that customers would exclaim “What a burger!” when they saw it. Dobson’s first restaurant featured a quarter-pound beef patty on a 5-inch bun, twice the size of standard burgers at the time.
The original Whataburger sold for 25 cents. Dobson’s focus on quality ingredients and made-to-order burgers quickly gained popularity among locals. The distinctive orange and white striped design of Whataburger restaurants became a recognizable landmark.
Expansion Over the Years
Whataburger experienced steady growth throughout the 1960s and 1970s. By 1960, there were eight Whataburger locations across Texas. The company opened its first drive-thru in 1971, adapting to changing customer preferences.
During the 1970s, Whataburger doubled its number of locations to over 200 restaurants. The menu expanded to include new items like the Whataburger Jr. and onion rings. Whataburger’s growth continued in subsequent decades, with the chain spreading to other southern states.
By 2019, Whataburger had grown to over 800 locations across 10 states. The company remained family-owned until that year, when it was sold to BDT & MSD Partners. Despite new ownership, Whataburger has maintained its Texas roots and commitment to its original vision.
Locations of Whataburger Outlets
Whataburger operates over 1,000 restaurants across 16 states in the United States. The fast food chain has a strong presence in the South and Southwest regions, with Texas being its largest market.
Distribution Across States
Whataburger’s footprint spans 16 states, primarily concentrated in the southern United States. Texas is home to the majority of Whataburger locations, boasting over 700 restaurants. Other states with significant presence include:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Florida
- Georgia
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- New Mexico
- Oklahoma
Houston leads with 50+ locations, followed by San Antonio with 40+, and Dallas with 30+. Austin and Fort Worth each have 20-25 Whataburger restaurants.
Finding Stores by Zip Code
Whataburger provides convenient tools for customers to locate nearby restaurants. The company’s website features a store locator function that allows users to search by city, state, or zip code.
To find a Whataburger:
- Visit the official Whataburger website
- Click on the “Locations” tab
- Enter your zip code or city and state
- View a list or map of nearby restaurants
The search results display store addresses, phone numbers, and operating hours. Users can also toggle between list and map views for easier navigation.
Menu Highlights and Ordering
Whataburger offers a diverse menu featuring signature burgers and specialty items. The chain also provides healthier alternatives for customers seeking lighter options.
Signature Burgers and Items
Whataburger’s menu centers around its famous burgers made with 100% pure American beef. The Whataburger is the chain’s flagship item, served on a toasted five-inch bun. Customers can customize their burgers with various toppings and condiments.
The Patty Melt and Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich are popular specialty items. For breakfast, Whataburger serves its Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit and Breakfast on a Bun. The restaurant also offers crispy fries, onion rings, and shakes in flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry.
Healthy and Alternative Options
Whataburger caters to health-conscious diners with lighter menu choices. Grilled chicken sandwiches and salads provide lower-calorie alternatives to traditional burgers. The chain offers a Garden Salad and Apple & Cranberry Salad for those seeking fresh, leafy options.
For vegetarians, Whataburger provides a veggie burger made with a black bean patty. Customers can also order any sandwich or burger without the meat for a vegetarian-friendly meal. Grilled chicken strips are available as a leaner protein option for salads or as a standalone item.
Exploring Customer Rewards
Whataburger has revamped its rewards program to offer more value to loyal customers. The new system allows patrons to earn points on purchases, replacing the previous visit-based model.
Under the updated program, customers accumulate rewards at a higher rate compared to before. This change provides greater incentives for frequent Whataburger diners.
The transition to the new system was seamless for existing members. Their previous rewards and visits were automatically converted to points. As an added bonus, Whataburger credited 500 points to all active accounts.
Key features of the new rewards program include:
- Point-based system
- Increased earning potential
- Automatic conversion of existing rewards
- 500-point bonus for active members
This rewards overhaul demonstrates Whataburger’s commitment to customer satisfaction. By offering more generous benefits, the chain aims to strengthen brand loyalty and encourage repeat visits.
The program now extends beyond just tracking visits. Customers can earn and redeem points across the entire menu, giving them more flexibility in how they use their rewards.
Opportunities and Careers
Whataburger offers a diverse range of career opportunities across its 1,033 locations in 16 states. The company provides positions suitable for various experience levels, from entry-level roles to management positions.
Employees at Whataburger can benefit from competitive salaries and comprehensive health benefits. The company also emphasizes leadership development, providing training programs to help staff advance their careers.
Career paths at Whataburger include:
- Restaurant Team Members
- Shift Leaders
- Managers
- Corporate Positions
Whataburger values community engagement and encourages employees to make a positive impact in their local areas. This commitment to community service can be an attractive aspect for job seekers who want to contribute beyond their work duties.
The company’s growth across multiple states presents opportunities for relocation and career advancement. Whataburger’s expansion from its Texas roots to locations spanning from Arizona to Florida demonstrates its potential for continued growth and new job openings.
Interested candidates can apply online through Whataburger’s career portal. The application process is designed to be user-friendly, allowing prospective employees to explore available positions and submit their information efficiently.
Community Engagement and Impact
Whataburger demonstrates a strong commitment to community involvement through various initiatives. The company’s signature program, Feeding Student Success, focuses on addressing food insecurity and supporting education.
This program establishes college resource rooms and provides scholarships to students in need. Whataburger also engages in partnerships with local sports teams and events, such as sponsoring Texas high school football games.
The fast-food chain organizes volunteer opportunities for its employees through the Whataburger Serves program. This initiative allows staff members to participate in community service projects and share their time and talents with local organizations.
Whataburger celebrates its anniversary each year around August 8 with Orange Spirit Week. During this time, the company donates funds and volunteer hours to organizations making positive impacts in their communities.
In 2019, Whataburger contributed over $1 million and more than 1,000 volunteer hours during Orange Spirit Week alone. This demonstrates the company’s dedication to giving back and supporting local causes.
Through these efforts, Whataburger aims to create meaningful connections in the communities it serves. The company’s community engagement strategy aligns with its brand values of pride, care, and love.
Comparing Whataburger with Competitors
Whataburger faces stiff competition in the fast food burger market. Its main rivals include major chains like Burger King, as well as regional favorites such as In-N-Out and Five Guys.
Market Position Against Burger King
Whataburger and Burger King compete directly in the fast food burger segment. Whataburger operates primarily in the southern United States, with a strong presence in Texas. The chain has around 900 locations across 14 states.
Burger King, in contrast, boasts a much larger global footprint. It has over 18,000 restaurants worldwide, with a significant presence in all 50 U.S. states.
In terms of menu offerings, Whataburger focuses on customizable burgers and regional flavors. Burger King emphasizes its flame-grilled patties and signature Whopper sandwich.
Whataburger’s made-to-order approach and regional appeal give it an edge in customer loyalty within its core markets. However, Burger King’s broader reach and marketing power provide advantages in brand recognition and accessibility.
Both chains face challenges from newer fast-casual burger concepts and changing consumer preferences for healthier options.
Expansion into New Markets
Whataburger is actively growing its presence beyond its Texas roots. The beloved burger chain is targeting new states and regions to bring its iconic orange-and-white striped restaurants to more customers across the United States.
Emerging States
Whataburger has set its sights on several new markets for expansion. Tennessee and Kansas City are among the first targets for new restaurant openings. The company plans to build 15 new locations this year and 25 more next year.
Atlanta, Georgia recently welcomed its first Whataburger store, marking a significant milestone for the brand. Oklahoma continues to see growth, with a new location in Yukon contributing to the chain’s 1,000th store celebration.
Colorado, Mississippi, and New Mexico are also on Whataburger’s radar for potential expansion. These states offer promising opportunities to introduce the brand to new customers eager for its made-to-order burgers and signature menu items.
Whataburger’s expansion strategy includes both company-owned and franchised locations. This approach allows for faster growth while maintaining the quality and consistency the brand is known for.
Contact Information and Customer Service
Whataburger provides multiple ways for customers to get in touch and find nearby restaurant locations. The company offers both online and phone-based options for inquiries and support.
Store Locator and Phone Numbers
Whataburger’s website features a store locator tool to help customers find the nearest restaurant. Users can enter their city, state, or zip code to view a map of nearby Whataburger locations. The tool displays store addresses, phone numbers, and operating hours.
For general customer service inquiries, Whataburger offers a dedicated phone line: 1-800-628-7437. This number connects customers to support representatives who can assist with questions, feedback, or concerns.
Individual Whataburger restaurants also have their own phone numbers. These can be found through the store locator or by searching online directories. Calling a specific store allows customers to inquire about local promotions, place orders, or get information about that particular location.
Whataburger’s corporate office is located at 300 Concord Plaza Dr., San Antonio, TX 78216. The main office phone number is 1-210-476-6000. This line is primarily for business-related matters rather than general customer inquiries.