Whataburger, a beloved fast-food chain primarily located in the Southern United States, offers a diverse menu of burgers, breakfast items, and more. With over 735 locations, Whataburger has established itself as a popular choice for quick, satisfying meals. The current Whataburger menu features affordable options, with prices comparable to other major fast-food chains like McDonald’s and Burger King.
Customers can expect to find classic favorites like the Double Meat Whataburger and specialty items such as the Jalapeño & Cheese Whataburger on the menu. Whataburger also caters to breakfast lovers with offerings like the Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit. Prices for individual burgers start around $3.09, while combo meals that include fries and a drink range from $5.59 to $7.89.
Whataburger regularly updates its menu to include new items and seasonal specials, ensuring there’s always something fresh to try. The restaurant chain also offers a variety of combo meals and value options, making it easy for customers to find a meal that fits their budget and appetite.
History and Brand Overview
Whataburger’s journey from a single burger stand to a beloved fast-food chain is marked by innovation, expansion, and a commitment to quality. The company’s rich history reflects its deep Texas roots and enduring popularity.
Founding Story
In 1950, Harmon Dobson and Paul Burton opened the first Whataburger in Corpus Christi, Texas. Their vision was to create a burger so big it would take two hands to hold and make customers exclaim, “What a burger!” The original menu featured a 1/4 pound beef patty on a 5-inch bun for 25 cents.
Dobson bought out Burton’s share in 1951 and focused on growing the business. He emphasized quality ingredients and customer satisfaction, laying the foundation for Whataburger’s future success.
Growth and Expansion
Whataburger expanded rapidly throughout the 1960s. By 1967, it had grown to 40 locations across Texas, Florida, Tennessee, and Arizona. The company introduced new menu items, including french fries and fried pies in 1962.
Key milestones:
- 1961: First A-frame restaurant opened in Odessa, Texas
- 1971: First drive-thru location launched
- 1982: Three Corpus Christi locations began 24/7 operations
The 1980s saw further growth, with the 300th restaurant opening in 1980. New menu additions included the Breakfast On A Bun and Whatachick’n sandwich.
Whataburger in Popular Culture
Whataburger has become an iconic part of Texas culture. Its distinctive orange-and-white striped buildings are easily recognizable landmarks. The chain has garnered a loyal following, with fans creating Whataburger-themed art, clothing, and even wedding cakes.
Celebrity endorsements and social media presence have further cemented Whataburger’s status in popular culture. The brand’s connection to Texas pride and tradition continues to resonate with customers across its expanding service area.
Menu Overview
Whataburger offers a diverse menu featuring signature burgers, chicken options, breakfast items, sides, salads, beverages, and desserts. The menu caters to various tastes and dietary preferences with customizable options and high-quality ingredients.
Burger Varieties
Whataburger’s core menu revolves around its iconic burgers. The classic Whataburger features a 100% pure beef patty on a large toasted bun. Customers can choose from single, double, or triple patty options. Popular variations include:
- Jalapeño & Cheese Whataburger
- Bacon & Cheese Whataburger
- Avocado Bacon Burger
Specialty burgers like the Monterey Melt and Patty Melt offer unique flavor combinations. Whataburger prides itself on customization, allowing guests to add or remove toppings to create their perfect burger.
Chicken Selections
The chicken menu at Whataburger provides tasty alternatives to beef. Options include:
- Whatachick’n Sandwich: Breaded chicken fillet with lettuce, tomatoes, and mayo
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich: Marinated chicken breast with lettuce and tomatoes
- Whatachick’n Strips: Crispy, hand-breaded chicken tenders
Chicken items can be customized with various sauces like Honey BBQ, Honey Butter, or Buffalo. The menu also features a Chicken Fajita Taco for those seeking a Tex-Mex twist.
Breakfast Favorites
Whataburger serves breakfast from 11 PM to 11 AM daily. Popular morning items include:
- Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit
- Breakfast on a Bun: Egg, cheese, and choice of bacon or sausage
- Taquitos: Flour tortillas filled with eggs and choice of bacon, sausage, or potato
Pancakes, biscuits and gravy, and hash brown sticks round out the breakfast offerings. Many locations offer breakfast items all day, subject to availability.
Sides and Snacks
Complementing the main dishes, Whataburger offers a variety of sides:
- French Fries: Crispy, well-seasoned potato fries
- Onion Rings: Battered and fried to golden perfection
- Apple Slices: A healthier alternative
Snack options include Whatachick’n Bites and Jalapeño Cheddar Biscuits. Customers can upgrade their fries to a large size or add chili cheese for extra indulgence.
Salads and Healthy Options
For health-conscious diners, Whataburger provides lighter fare:
- Garden Salad: Mixed greens with tomatoes, carrots, and croutons
- Apple & Cranberry Salad: Blend of lettuce, apples, dried cranberries, and shredded cheese
Grilled chicken can be added to any salad for extra protein. The menu also includes a Grilled Chicken Melt for a leaner sandwich option.
Beverages and Shakes
Whataburger offers a range of drinks to quench thirst:
- Soft drinks: Coca-Cola products
- Iced Tea: Sweet and unsweet varieties
- Coffee: Hot and iced options
Signature shakes come in vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry flavors. Root beer floats and malts provide additional sweet drink choices.
Desserts and Sweets
To satisfy sweet cravings, Whataburger features:
- Hot Apple Pies: Flaky pastry filled with cinnamon-spiced apples
- Cinnamon Rolls: Warm, gooey pastries available during breakfast hours
- Cookies: Chocolate chip cookies baked fresh daily
Seasonal offerings like the Strawberry Shortcake shake make occasional appearances on the dessert menu. These treats provide a perfect ending to any Whataburger meal.
Signature and Seasonal Items
Whataburger’s menu features a range of iconic favorites and rotating specials that keep customers coming back. These items showcase the chain’s commitment to bold flavors and innovative combinations.
All-Time Favorites
The Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich stands out as a beloved menu staple. It combines crispy chicken strips with tangy honey BBQ sauce on a toasted bun. The Whataburger Patty Melt offers a twist on the classic burger, featuring two beef patties, grilled onions, and melted cheese on Texas toast.
Another popular choice is the Monterey Melt, which pairs beef patties with jalapeños, grilled onions, and two types of cheese. These signature items have earned a permanent spot on the menu due to their consistent popularity.
Seasonal Specials
Whataburger introduces seasonal items that reflect the flavors of each time of year. In autumn, customers might find pumpkin-spiced shakes or burgers topped with harvest-inspired ingredients.
Summer often brings refreshing options like fruit-infused drinks or lighter sandwich choices. Winter specials could include hearty soups or warm, comforting desserts. These rotating items add variety to the menu and give customers new reasons to visit throughout the year.
Limited Time Offers
The Chop House Cheddar Burger exemplifies Whataburger’s limited time offers. This premium burger features two beef patties, crispy bacon, and grilled onions, topped with melted cheddar and a savory steak sauce.
Other LTOs might include unique shake flavors, specialty chicken sandwiches, or burgers with regional ingredients. These promotions typically last for a few weeks to a couple of months, creating excitement and urgency among customers.
Whataburger uses these offers to test new ideas and gauge customer interest in potential permanent menu additions. The limited availability often drives increased traffic as fans rush to try the latest creation before it’s gone.
Nutritional Information
Whataburger provides detailed nutritional information for their menu items to help customers make informed choices. This includes calorie content and allergen information for all burgers, sides, and drinks.
Calorie Content
Whataburger’s menu offers a range of options with varying calorie counts. The classic Whataburger contains 590 calories, while the Double Meat Whataburger has 830 calories. For those seeking lighter options, grilled chicken sandwiches typically have fewer calories than their fried counterparts.
Side dishes also vary in calorie content. A small order of fries contains about 270 calories, while a large order has around 470 calories. Drinks can add significant calories, with a large soda containing up to 400 calories.
Whataburger’s website and in-store menus display calorie information for all items, allowing customers to easily compare options and make choices that align with their dietary needs.
Allergen Guide
Whataburger provides a comprehensive allergen guide to help customers with food sensitivities or allergies. The guide covers common allergens such as milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soy.
Many Whataburger menu items contain wheat and soy. All buns contain wheat, while most fried items are cooked in soybean oil. Milk allergens are present in cheese and some sauces.
For those with egg allergies, it’s important to note that eggs are used in some menu items, including breakfast offerings. Peanuts and tree nuts are not used as ingredients in Whataburger’s kitchen, but the restaurant cannot guarantee the absence of cross-contamination.
Customers with severe allergies should always consult with staff before ordering to ensure their safety.
Catering and Group Orders
Whataburger offers convenient options for feeding larger groups and catering events. Their menu includes family-sized portions and special group ordering packages to accommodate gatherings of various sizes.
Group Ordering Options
Whataburger’s Group Ordering service simplifies the process of feeding multiple people. The 10 Double Meat Whataburger® Box is a popular choice, featuring ten of their signature double patty burgers. Each burger comes with tomato, lettuce, pickles, and diced onions.
Customization is available, with separate containers for mustard and mayonnaise. This allows individuals to add condiments according to their preferences. Group orders often include sides like fries and drinks to complete the meal.
Family and Party Sizes
Whataburger caters to families and larger gatherings with supersized portions of their menu favorites. The Family Fry Box is a standout option, providing a generous serving of Whataburger’s crispy fries perfect for sharing.
Other family-sized items may include large containers of chicken strips, onion rings, or salads. These larger portions are designed to feed multiple people, making them ideal for family dinners or small parties.
Whataburger’s catering menu also includes breakfast options for morning events. Large platters of taquitos, biscuits, or pancakes can be ordered to feed groups during early hours.
Kids’ Menu
Whataburger offers a variety of tasty options for young diners. The kids’ menu features child-sized portions of popular items at affordable prices.
Meals for the Little Ones
The Whataburger Kids Menu includes several meal options. The Justaburger Kid’s Meal is priced at $6.28 and comes with a small burger. For chicken lovers, there’s the Whatachick’n Strips 2-piece meal at $6.52 or the 3-piece meal at $7.01.
A Grilled Cheese Kids Whatameal is available for $6.21. Each kids’ meal includes a side, drink, and dessert. Sides choices are French fries or apple slices. Drink options include milk or a fountain beverage. For dessert, kids can choose between a cookie or fruit chews.
Whataburger Jr., a smaller version of the classic burger, is another popular choice for kids. The menu also features a Cinnamon Roll for $3.25 as a sweet treat.
Prices may vary by location and are subject to change. The kids’ menu provides balanced meal options with fruit and protein choices to satisfy young appetites.
Customer Experience
Whataburger prioritizes customer satisfaction through efficient service, multiple ordering options, and responsive support. The chain focuses on delivering a seamless experience from order placement to meal enjoyment.
Ordering and Payment
Whataburger offers diverse ordering methods to cater to customer preferences. In-store kiosks allow for quick, customized orders without waiting in line. The Whataburger mobile app enables customers to place orders for pickup or delivery, saving time during busy periods.
Payment options include cash, credit cards, and digital wallets. The app also supports mobile payments, streamlining transactions for frequent customers.
Whataburger’s customization options set it apart from other fast food chains. Customers can modify their burgers, sandwiches, and sides to suit their tastes, with over 36,000 possible combinations.
Dine-In and Drive-Thru Service
Whataburger’s dine-in experience features a clean, welcoming atmosphere with ample seating. Tables are promptly cleaned between customers, ensuring a hygienic environment for meals.
The drive-thru service is designed for efficiency, with multiple lanes at busier locations to reduce wait times. Digital menu boards display current offerings and prices clearly.
Whataburger’s commitment to fresh, made-to-order food means that drive-thru orders may take slightly longer than at some competitors. However, this dedication to quality is a key aspect of the brand’s appeal.
Customer Support
Whataburger maintains a dedicated customer care line at 1-800-6BURGER (1-800-628-7437) for inquiries and feedback. This service is available during extended hours to address concerns promptly.
The company’s social media presence allows for quick resolution of issues raised on platforms like Twitter and Facebook. Whataburger’s social media team often responds to customer comments within hours.
In-store managers are empowered to handle complaints and provide immediate solutions, such as meal replacements or refunds when necessary. This local authority helps maintain customer satisfaction at the point of service.