What-A-Burger #13 stands out as a beloved fast food institution in North Carolina. This family-owned restaurant has served the local communities of Mount Pleasant and Locust for over 50 years. What-A-Burger #13 is renowned for its mouthwatering burgers, tasty sandwiches, and unique soft drinks like the “witchdoctor” that keep customers coming back.
The restaurant prides itself on offering “Carolina’s finest and tastiest treats” with a menu that extends beyond burgers to include hot dogs and salads. What-A-Burger #13’s two locations, on West Franklin Street in Mount Pleasant and North Central Avenue in Locust, have become popular gathering spots for locals and visitors alike.
With a strong social media presence and thousands of loyal followers, What-A-Burger #13 has cemented its place in the hearts of North Carolina residents. The restaurant’s commitment to quality food and friendly service has helped it thrive in an increasingly competitive fast food landscape.
Background of What-A-Burger
What-A-Burger traces its roots to the 1950s as a regional burger chain. The company built a loyal following through its commitment to quality ingredients and custom-made burgers.
History and Expansion
What-A-Burger began as a small burger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas in 1950. Founded by Harmon Dobson, the restaurant differentiated itself by offering larger-than-average burgers. Dobson’s vision was to create a burger so big that customers would exclaim “What a burger!” when they saw it.
The chain expanded rapidly throughout Texas in the 1960s and 70s. By 1967, What-A-Burger had opened its 100th restaurant. The company introduced drive-thru service in 1971, adapting to changing consumer preferences. What-A-Burger continued its growth across the southern United States in subsequent decades.
Brand Philosophy and Consumer Trust
What-A-Burger built its reputation on serving made-to-order burgers with fresh ingredients. The company emphasizes customization, allowing customers to modify their orders to their liking. This philosophy of giving customers exactly what they want has fostered strong brand loyalty.
The chain is known for its distinctive orange-and-white striped A-frame buildings, which became local landmarks in many communities. What-A-Burger maintains a focus on regional tastes, often introducing menu items that cater to local preferences. This approach has helped the company maintain a connection with its customer base as it has grown.
Menu Overview
What-A-Burger #13 offers a diverse selection of fast food options centered around burgers. The menu features classic and specialty burgers, sides, sandwiches, and desserts to cater to various tastes and preferences.
Burger Varieties
What-A-Burger #13’s menu boasts an array of burger options. The classic What-A-Burger is a 4 oz patty topped with lettuce, tomato, onion, and mustard. For cheese lovers, the What-A-Cheeseburger adds a slice of melted cheese to the mix.
Specialty burgers include variations with bacon, additional patties, or unique toppings. Customers can customize their burgers by adding or removing ingredients to suit their preferences.
The restaurant prides itself on using fresh, quality ingredients to create satisfying meals for its patrons.
Signature Offerings
Beyond burgers, What-A-Burger #13 serves other popular fast food items. The menu includes a Grilled Chicken Sandwich for those seeking a lighter option. A Fish Sandwich is available for seafood enthusiasts.
Side dishes are essential to the What-A-Burger #13 experience. Golden, crispy fries are a customer favorite, complementing the burgers perfectly. Other sides may include onion rings or coleslaw.
For those with a sweet tooth, the restaurant offers dessert options. These might include milkshakes, ice cream sundaes, or fruit pies.
Nutritional Information
What-A-Burger #13 aims to provide customers with information to make informed dietary choices. Calorie counts for main menu items are typically available upon request.
The restaurant offers options for health-conscious diners, such as grilled chicken sandwiches or salads. Customers can also customize their orders to reduce calorie intake, such as removing cheese or mayo from burgers.
It’s important to note that as a fast food establishment, many menu items are high in calories, fat, and sodium. Moderation is key when enjoying these delicious but indulgent meals.
Customer Experience
Whataburger Number 13 prioritizes customer satisfaction through personalized service, a welcoming atmosphere, and modern digital engagement. The restaurant balances traditional hospitality with contemporary conveniences to create a memorable dining experience.
Service and Atmosphere
Whataburger Number 13 maintains a friendly, family-oriented environment. Staff greet customers warmly and provide attentive service throughout their visit. The restaurant’s interior features comfortable seating and a nostalgic decor that pays homage to its 1970s roots.
Efficient order-taking and food preparation ensure minimal wait times. Employees are well-trained to handle special requests and dietary needs. The drive-thru option caters to customers seeking quick service without compromising quality.
Cleanliness is a top priority, with regular cleaning schedules for dining areas, restrooms, and food preparation zones. This commitment to hygiene enhances the overall dining experience and customer confidence.
Digital Presence and Social Media
Whataburger Number 13 has embraced digital platforms to enhance customer engagement. Their Facebook page serves as a hub for announcements, promotions, and customer interaction. Patrons can easily access menu updates, operating hours, and special events through this channel.
The restaurant encourages customers to leave reviews and ratings on popular platforms. This feedback helps maintain service quality and address any concerns promptly. Positive reviews often highlight the restaurant’s consistent food quality and friendly staff.
Online ordering options have been implemented, allowing customers to place orders via the Whataburger website or mobile app. This system streamlines the ordering process and reduces wait times for pick-up orders.
Customer Support
Whataburger Number 13 offers multiple avenues for customer support. Patrons can reach out via phone for immediate assistance with orders or inquiries. The restaurant’s email support handles non-urgent matters and general feedback.
In-store, managers are readily available to address customer concerns personally. This hands-on approach ensures quick resolution of any issues that may arise during a visit.
For loyalty program members, a dedicated support line is available. This service assists with account-related queries, password resets, and rewards redemption. The restaurant also maintains a FAQ section on their website to address common questions and streamline support processes.
Operational Insights
Whataburger Number 13 maintains a unique approach to serving customers. Its operational strategies focus on accessibility and community engagement.
Location and Hours of Operation
Whataburger Number 13 is situated in a prime location for customer convenience. The restaurant operates extended hours to cater to diverse customer needs. It opens at 6:00 AM daily, serving breakfast until 11:00 AM.
The main dining area remains open until 10:00 PM Sunday through Thursday. On Fridays and Saturdays, it extends its hours until midnight. The drive-thru service continues 24/7, accommodating late-night cravings.
During peak hours, additional staff members are deployed to ensure swift service. The restaurant maintains cleanliness standards throughout its operating hours.
Special Events and Food Trucks
Whataburger Number 13 actively participates in local events. Its food truck, “Whata-On-Wheels,” attends festivals, fairs, and community gatherings. The truck offers a condensed menu of popular items.
Special promotions coincide with major sporting events and holidays. During these times, the restaurant may extend its dining room hours. The food truck also makes appearances at local high school football games on Friday nights.
Corporate bookings for the food truck are available for private events. This service has gained popularity for office parties and weddings. The truck’s schedule is posted monthly on the restaurant’s social media accounts.
Corporate Responsibility
Whataburger demonstrates commitment to social and environmental stewardship through targeted initiatives. The company focuses on education, food security, and sustainability efforts across its operational footprint.
Community Engagement
Whataburger’s Feeding Student Success program addresses food insecurity and supports education in 14 states. The initiative provides food drives and scholarships to students in need. College resource rooms stocked with essentials help alleviate financial burdens for struggling students.
The company partners with local organizations to maximize impact. Whataburger employees regularly volunteer at community events and fundraisers. Annual giving campaigns encourage customers to contribute to selected charities.
Sustainability Efforts
In 2024, Whataburger launched a comprehensive sustainability plan to reduce its environmental footprint. The company invested in energy-efficient equipment for restaurants and implemented waste reduction strategies.
Recycling programs were expanded across locations to minimize landfill waste. Packaging materials now incorporate more recycled content. Whataburger set targets to decrease water usage and improve sourcing practices for ingredients.
The chain explores plant-based menu options to cater to environmentally-conscious consumers. Electric vehicle charging stations are being added to select restaurant parking lots.
