Whataburger stands as an iconic fast-food chain beloved across the southern United States. Founded in 1950 in Corpus Christi, Texas, this restaurant has grown to over 700 locations spanning multiple states. Whataburger is renowned for its made-to-order burgers featuring 100% pure American beef served on a distinctive five-inch toasted bun.
The menu at Whataburger extends beyond its signature burgers, offering a variety of options to satisfy diverse tastes. Customers can enjoy chicken sandwiches, breakfast items, and delectable milkshakes. The restaurant’s commitment to quality ingredients and customizable orders has earned it a loyal following.
Whataburger embraces modern conveniences, providing online ordering options with curbside pickup and delivery services. This blend of traditional quality and contemporary service has helped Whataburger maintain its popularity in an ever-evolving fast-food landscape.
History and Background
Whataburger’s journey from a small Corpus Christi burger stand to a beloved regional chain is marked by innovative leadership, steady expansion, and a commitment to quality. The company’s growth reflects changing consumer tastes and business practices over seven decades.
Founders Harmon Dobson and Paul Burton
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 took two hands to hold and made customers exclaim “What a burger!” The original menu featured only burgers, chips, and drinks.
Dobson bought out Burton’s interest in 1951 and continued to refine the Whataburger concept. He focused on quality ingredients and customer satisfaction, laying the foundation for the chain’s future success.
Expansion and Growth
Whataburger’s expansion began in the 1950s, with the first restaurant outside Texas opening in Pensacola, Florida in 1959. By 1960, the chain had grown to 17 locations.
In 1961, Whataburger introduced its iconic A-frame design in Odessa, Texas. This distinctive orange and white striped building became a hallmark of the brand. The menu expanded to include French fries and hot pies in 1962.
Despite Harmon Dobson’s tragic death in a plane crash in 1967, his wife Grace took over and continued the company’s growth. By 1980, Whataburger celebrated its 300th restaurant opening.
BDT Capital Partners Acquisition
In June 2019, the Dobson family sold their majority stake in Whataburger to BDT Capital Partners, a Chicago-based investment firm. This move aimed to drive further expansion while maintaining the chain’s core values and quality standards.
Under BDT’s ownership, Whataburger has continued to grow, entering new markets and updating its restaurant designs. The company has also focused on modernizing operations and enhancing its digital presence to meet changing consumer preferences.
Menu Offerings
Whataburger’s menu features a diverse array of mouthwatering options to satisfy various tastes and cravings. From classic burgers to breakfast favorites, the restaurant offers a wide selection of made-to-order meals throughout the day.
Burgers and Sandwiches
The heart of Whataburger’s menu lies in its signature burgers and sandwiches. The iconic Whataburger is a flame-grilled patty topped with fresh vegetables and condiments on a toasted bun. For those with bigger appetites, the Double Meat Whataburger and Triple Meat Whataburger offer extra layers of beef.
Specialty sandwiches include the popular Whataburger Patty Melt, featuring two beef patties with grilled onions and melted cheese on Texas toast. The Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich combines crispy chicken strips with tangy barbecue sauce.
Customers can customize their orders with various toppings and sauces, creating thousands of possible combinations.
Breakfast Selections
Whataburger serves breakfast items from 11 p.m. to 11 a.m. daily. The menu includes hearty options like the Breakfast on a Bun, featuring a choice of sausage or bacon with egg and cheese.
The standout breakfast item is the Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit, a crispy chicken strip nestled in a warm buttermilk biscuit and drizzled with sweet honey butter sauce.
For those seeking a Tex-Mex twist, Whataburger offers Taquitos with cheese, wrapped in a warm tortilla and filled with eggs, potatoes, and a choice of bacon, sausage, or chorizo.
Sides and Snacks
Whataburger’s sides complement their main dishes perfectly. The crispy, golden French Fries are a classic favorite. For a change of pace, customers can opt for Onion Rings or Apple Slices.
The restaurant also offers Whatachick’n Bites, bite-sized pieces of crispy chicken perfect for snacking or as a kids’ meal option.
For those watching their calorie intake, Whataburger provides Garden and Apple & Cranberry Salads as lighter alternatives.
Drinks and Shakes
To wash down their meals, customers can choose from a variety of soft drinks, iced tea, and coffee. Whataburger also offers refreshing lemonade and sweetened or unsweetened iced tea.
The restaurant’s hand-spun shakes are a popular treat. Available in chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavors, these thick and creamy shakes provide a sweet finish to any meal.
For coffee lovers, Whataburger serves hot coffee throughout the day, with options for regular or decaf.
Restaurant Locations and Presence
Whataburger has expanded its footprint across multiple states, bringing its iconic burgers to new markets. The chain operates over 700 locations, with a strong presence in Texas and growing representation in other Southern and Southwestern states.
State-by-State Expansion
Whataburger’s roots run deep in Texas, but the chain has spread its orange-and-white striped restaurants to several neighboring states. Arizona, New Mexico, and Oklahoma host numerous Whataburger locations. The company has also established a presence in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Louisiana.
Recent expansion efforts have brought Whataburger to new territories. Tennessee and Kansas City have welcomed their first Whataburger restaurants. Arkansas, Mississippi, and South Carolina now feature the Texas-born chain on their dining landscapes.
Key Cities and Communities
Whataburger maintains a strong urban presence while also serving smaller communities. Major cities like Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio boast multiple Whataburger locations. Phoenix, Arizona, and Jacksonville, Florida, have become important markets for the brand outside its home state.
The chain’s expansion into Kansas City marks its entry into Missouri. This move highlights Whataburger’s strategy of targeting populous areas with a taste for quality fast food. In smaller towns across Texas and neighboring states, Whataburger often serves as a local gathering spot and source of employment.
Ordering and Convenience
Whataburger offers multiple ways for customers to order their favorite meals quickly and easily. The restaurant chain has embraced digital technologies to enhance the ordering experience and reward loyal patrons.
Digital Ordering Platforms
Whataburger’s mobile app and website provide convenient digital ordering options. Customers can browse the full menu, customize their orders, and schedule pickup times through these platforms. The app allows users to save favorite orders for quick reordering.
Geolocation features help customers find nearby Whataburger locations. Users can enter their zip code or allow the app to access their location for easy restaurant locating.
The digital platforms offer a streamlined ordering process, reducing wait times and improving accuracy. Customers can pay securely through the app or website, making transactions quick and hassle-free.
Rewards and Promotions
Whataburger’s rewards program incentivizes customer loyalty through its digital platforms. The program tracks visits and offers free food after five purchases.
Members receive exclusive deals and promotions through the app. These may include limited-time offers, discounts on specific menu items, or early access to new products.
The rewards system is integrated into the digital ordering process, making it easy for customers to earn and redeem points. Regular app users can accumulate rewards quickly, enhancing their overall Whataburger experience.
Special promotions often target app users, encouraging more customers to adopt digital ordering methods.
Architectural Style and Design
Whataburger’s distinctive architectural style has become an iconic part of its brand identity. The company’s buildings have evolved over the decades while maintaining recognizable design elements.
Iconic A-Frame Design
Whataburger introduced its famous A-frame design in 1961. The steep orange and white striped roof reached 30 feet tall, making the restaurants highly visible from a distance. This eye-catching structure served as both a flagship store design and a testing ground for architectural ideas.
The A-frame became Whataburger’s signature look throughout the 1960s and 1970s. At its peak, around 15 of these dramatic A-frame buildings existed across Whataburger’s locations. The design evoked a sense of playfulness while providing practical benefits like weather protection.
As local building codes began restricting fast-food restaurant heights, Whataburger phased out the full A-frame design. However, newer locations still incorporate elements like steep gables and bold orange-and-white color schemes as a nod to the original architecture. A handful of vintage A-frame Whataburgers remain standing today as beloved landmarks in some communities.
Community Engagement and Stories
Whataburger’s commitment to community engagement and storytelling is a cornerstone of its brand identity. The company actively supports local communities and cultivates meaningful customer experiences.
Supporting Local Communities
Whataburger’s community support extends beyond serving burgers. The company commissions Latino and Black artists to create artwork featured on its social channels, showcasing diverse voices. Whataburger organizes service projects through its “Whataburger Serves” program, enabling employees to volunteer in their communities.
The annual “WhataGames” competition reinforces employee engagement and core values. This seven-week event tests teams on operational skills, fostering pride and community among Whataburger’s 51,000 employees.
Whataburger also prioritizes employee growth and success. The company views its workforce as “Family Members” and supports their personal development.
Customer Stories and Experiences
Whataburger’s impact on customers goes beyond satisfying hunger. The brand has become a cultural icon, especially in Texas, with devoted fans sharing their experiences.
Customer stories often highlight Whataburger’s role in their lives – from late-night study sessions to family traditions. These narratives contribute to the company’s legacy and community connection.
Whataburger’s commitment to extraordinary hospitality shapes positive customer experiences. Employees are trained to provide exceptional service, creating memorable moments for guests.
The company’s social media presence amplifies customer stories, fostering a sense of belonging among Whataburger enthusiasts.
Brand Merchandise and Whatastore
Whataburger has expanded its brand beyond restaurants, offering fans a way to showcase their love for the iconic Texas burger chain. The Whatastore provides an extensive collection of official merchandise, from apparel to unique collectibles.
Exclusive Branded Items
The Whatastore features a diverse range of Whataburger-themed products. T-shirts, hats, and sweatshirts allow fans to wear their burger pride. Specialty items like YETI tumblers and holiday-themed apparel cater to collectors and enthusiasts.
Whataburger’s merchandise line includes practical items such as drinkware, socks, and signs. These products blend functionality with brand loyalty, appealing to everyday customers and die-hard fans alike.
The online store offers seasonal collections and collaborations, like the Vineyard Vines x Whataburger Holiday Whale Long Sleeve Tee. This approach keeps the merchandise fresh and exciting for repeat customers.
Whatastore ensures accessibility by providing free shipping on orders over $75, excluding gift cards. This incentivizes larger purchases and makes it easier for fans to stock up on their favorite branded items.
Employment and Careers
Whataburger offers diverse career opportunities and fosters a positive work environment. The company emphasizes employee growth and development while maintaining strong organizational values.
Job Opportunities and Growth
Whataburger provides various positions across its 890+ restaurants in 14 states. Entry-level roles include restaurant team members, while leadership positions range from team leaders to restaurant managers. The company offers competitive salaries and benefits packages to attract talent.
Career advancement is a key focus at Whataburger. Employees can participate in leadership development programs to climb the corporate ladder. These initiatives help staff transition from entry-level positions to managerial roles.
The company actively recruits for positions such as:
- Restaurant Staff
- Restaurant Team Leaders
- Porters
- Restaurant Managers
- Ambassadors
Company Culture and Values
Whataburger prides itself on fostering a supportive work environment. The company emphasizes community involvement, encouraging employees to make a difference in their local areas.
Work-life balance is prioritized, with flexible scheduling options available for many positions. Whataburger also invests in employee wellbeing through comprehensive health benefits.
The company’s culture is rooted in its humble beginnings in Corpus Christi, Texas. This heritage influences Whataburger’s commitment to friendly service and fresh, made-to-order food.
Employee satisfaction is a priority. Whataburger regularly conducts work wellbeing surveys to gather feedback and improve workplace conditions.
Corporate Information and Plans
Whataburger is positioning itself for significant growth and expansion in the coming years. The company is making strategic moves to strengthen its leadership team and enter new markets across the United States.
Strategic Expansion Plans
Whataburger plans to open restaurants in new markets by 2026, marking a key milestone for the company. The chain aims to introduce itself to new communities in a thoughtful manner, engaging with local residents. In 2019, BDT Capital Partners acquired a majority stake in Whataburger, signaling a new era of growth for the Texas-based burger chain.
To support its expansion, Whataburger has made several internal promotions. The company named a new president, chief operating officer, and chief restaurant operating officer. These leadership changes are designed to position Whataburger for future success as it enters new territories.
The company’s headquarters will remain in San Antonio, Texas, maintaining its roots while pursuing ambitious growth plans. Whataburger’s expansion strategy focuses on preserving its reputation for high-quality, made-to-order burgers while adapting to new markets.