Whataburger fans can now bring a piece of their favorite fast-food chain home with them. The Whatastore offers an extensive range of official merchandise, from apparel and accessories to kitchen items and collectibles. Customers can purchase Whataburger-branded shirts, hats, water bottles, tumblers, and even unique items like sugar skull figurines.
The online store provides free shipping on orders over $75, excluding gift cards. This makes it convenient for Whataburger enthusiasts to stock up on their favorite items or find the perfect gift for fellow fans. The Whatastore also features various collections, allowing shoppers to easily browse through themed product lines.
For those who crave more than just merchandise, the Whataburger website offers a location finder to help customers locate the nearest restaurant. Additionally, patrons can order food online, purchase gift cards, and join the Whataburger rewards program for exclusive benefits.
The History and Growth of Whataburger
Whataburger’s journey from a single burger stand to a beloved fast-food chain spans over seven decades. The company’s expansion across Texas and beyond demonstrates its enduring appeal and commitment to quality.
Founding and Expansion
Harmon Dobson and Paul Burton founded Whataburger in 1950 in Corpus Christi, Texas. Their first restaurant sold burgers for 25 cents each. Dobson’s vision was to create a burger so big it took two hands to hold.
By 1960, Whataburger had grown to 17 locations. The company introduced its iconic orange and white striped A-frame design in 1961 in Odessa, Texas. This distinctive architecture became a hallmark of the brand.
Whataburger continued to grow steadily. In the 1970s, it expanded beyond Texas into neighboring states. The chain reached a significant milestone in the 1990s when it opened its 500th store.
Whataburger in Texas
Texas remains the heart of Whataburger’s operations. The company’s headquarters moved to San Antonio in 2009. Whataburger has deep roots in the Lone Star State, with hundreds of locations across Texas.
The chain’s menu expanded over time to include breakfast items, chicken sandwiches, and other offerings. However, its signature burgers remain the core of its Texas identity.
Whataburger’s influence in Texas extends beyond food. The company sponsors various community events and sports teams. Many Texans view Whataburger as a cultural icon, not just a fast-food restaurant.
In 2019, the Dobson family sold their majority stake to BDT Capital Partners. Despite this change, Whataburger maintains its Texas-based operations and commitment to its founding principles.
Whataburger’s Menu Offerings
Whataburger offers a diverse menu featuring signature burgers, tasty sides, desserts, and a range of beverages. The chain prides itself on customizable options and fresh, made-to-order meals that cater to various tastes and preferences.
Burgers and Sandwiches
Whataburger’s core menu revolves around its iconic burgers. The Original Whataburger comes in single, double, and triple patty options. Patrons can customize their burgers with various toppings and sauces.
Specialty burgers include the Avocado Bacon Burger and the Mushroom Swiss Burger. For chicken lovers, the Whatachick’n Sandwich and Grilled Chicken Sandwich are popular choices.
The breakfast menu features items like the Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit and Breakfast on a Bun. These are typically available until 11 a.m. on weekends and 9 a.m. on weekdays, though some locations may offer extended breakfast hours.
Sides and Desserts
Whataburger complements its main dishes with a variety of sides. French fries are a staple, often paired with burgers or sandwiches. Other side options include onion rings and apple slices.
For those with a sweet tooth, Whataburger offers several dessert choices. The Hot Apple Pie is a classic favorite. Shakes come in flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry.
Cinnamon rolls and cookies round out the dessert menu, providing options for different cravings. These sweet treats can be enjoyed as a standalone snack or as part of a combo meal.
Beverage Selection
Whataburger’s drink menu includes both hot and cold options. Soft drinks are available in various flavors, with free refills typically offered for dine-in customers.
Coffee is served hot or iced, catering to different preferences. For those seeking healthier options, unsweetened iced tea and bottled water are also available.
Milk and chocolate milk are on the menu, often chosen as part of kids’ meals or as accompaniments to desserts. During seasonal promotions, Whataburger may introduce limited-time beverage offerings to complement their food items.
Nutritional Information and Dietary Preferences
Whataburger provides detailed nutritional information for its menu items. Customers can access calorie counts, macronutrient breakdowns, and vitamin content for each dish.
The Whataburger burger contains 640 calories, with 37% carbohydrates, 44% fat, and 18% protein. It offers 54% of the daily recommended protein intake and 18% of the daily fiber requirement.
Whataburger’s website features a nutrition calculator to help customers make informed choices. This tool allows filtering menu items based on specific dietary needs or preferences.
For those watching their calorie intake, Whataburger offers lighter options. The menu includes items with lower calorie counts, catering to various dietary goals.
Customers with food allergies or sensitivities can find allergen information for all menu items. Whataburger clearly labels common allergens to ensure customer safety.
The restaurant chain also provides customization options. Guests can modify their orders to better suit their nutritional needs or taste preferences.
To encourage customer loyalty, Whataburger offers a rewards program. Diners earn 10 points for every dollar spent, which can be redeemed for future purchases.
Digital Presence and Social Media Interaction
Whataburger leverages digital platforms to connect with customers and enhance brand visibility. The company’s online strategies focus on convenience and engagement across multiple channels.
Website Domain and Online Ordering
Whataburger’s official website, whataburger.com, serves as a central hub for customer interactions. The site features a user-friendly interface with easy navigation to menu items, nutritional information, and restaurant locations.
Online ordering is a key component of Whataburger’s digital strategy. Customers can place orders through the website or mobile app for pickup or delivery. The system allows for customization of menu items and saves favorite orders for quick reordering.
Whataburger’s website also includes a careers section, company history, and news updates. This comprehensive approach helps maintain brand consistency and provides valuable information to customers and potential employees.
Engagement on Social Media Platforms
Whataburger maintains an active presence on major social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. These channels are used to share promotions, new menu items, and behind-the-scenes content.
The company’s social media strategy emphasizes customer interaction. Whataburger responds to comments and messages, addressing both praise and concerns. This direct engagement helps build brand loyalty and provides real-time customer service.
Whataburger often runs social media contests and campaigns to boost engagement. These initiatives encourage user-generated content, such as photos of customers enjoying their meals. The company also uses social media for targeted advertising, reaching specific demographics with tailored messaging.
Rewards and Customer Loyalty Programs
Whataburger’s rewards program offers customers points for purchases and enables redeeming rewards for menu items. The system aims to enhance customer loyalty and provide value to frequent patrons.
Rewards System
Whataburger recently updated its rewards program to a points-based model. Customers now earn 10 points for every $1 spent, both in-store and online. This shift allows for greater flexibility in how rewards are earned and redeemed.
The new system expands redemption options beyond the previous limited selection. Customers can now use points to obtain a wider variety of menu items, including popular choices like the classic Whataburger and Spicy Chicken Sandwich.
This change reflects Whataburger’s commitment to giving customers more value and choice in their rewards experience.
Earn Points and Redeem Rewards
Earning points is straightforward with Whataburger’s updated program. Points accumulate with each purchase, incentivizing repeat visits and larger orders. The 10 points per dollar ratio makes it easy for customers to track their progress.
Redemption options now cover most menu items, allowing customers to choose their preferred rewards. This flexibility enhances the program’s appeal and encourages continued participation.
The expanded rewards menu includes fan favorites and new items, catering to diverse customer preferences. By offering a broader selection, Whataburger aims to increase customer satisfaction and strengthen brand loyalty.
Privacy and Data Protection Practices
Whataburger implements various measures to safeguard customer data and respect privacy preferences. The company utilizes cookies, manages personal information, and provides options for consent and opt-out.
Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Whataburger employs cookies and pixels on its website to enhance user experience and collect data. These technologies track visitor behavior, remember preferences, and enable personalized content delivery. Necessary cookies ensure basic website functionality, while others facilitate analytics and marketing efforts.
Users can manage cookie settings through their browser preferences. Whataburger’s website may offer a cookie banner for easy consent management. The company’s privacy policy typically outlines specific cookie types used and their purposes.
Handling of Personal Information
Whataburger collects personal information during transactions, account creation, and customer interactions. This data may include names, addresses, and payment details. The company uses this information for order fulfillment, customer service, and marketing purposes.
Security measures protect personal data from unauthorized access. Whataburger likely employs encryption for sensitive information and restricts data access to authorized personnel. The company’s privacy policy should detail data retention periods and sharing practices with third parties.
Consent Management and Opt-out Options
Customers have control over their data through various consent management and opt-out options. Whataburger typically provides ways to update communication preferences, allowing users to opt out of marketing emails or SMS messages.
The Global Privacy Control signal is a tool some websites recognize for automated privacy preference communication. Whataburger may offer account settings for managing consent preferences. Users can usually access, modify, or delete their personal information upon request.
Opt-out choices might extend to certain data collection practices or sharing with third parties. Whataburger’s privacy policy should outline specific steps for exercising these options and any limitations that may apply.
Advertising and Marketing Strategies
Whataburger employs sophisticated advertising and marketing techniques to reach customers and drive growth. The company leverages data-driven insights and partnerships to optimize its campaigns and increase brand awareness.
Targeted Advertising through Third Parties
Whataburger utilizes third-party platforms to deliver targeted ads to potential customers. The company partners with social media networks, search engines, and programmatic advertising services to reach specific demographics and locations. These targeted campaigns often highlight Whataburger’s signature menu items and limited-time offers.
Whataburger’s ads frequently feature mouth-watering visuals of their burgers and emphasize the brand’s commitment to quality ingredients. The company also tailors its messaging to resonate with local markets, incorporating regional flavors and cultural references where appropriate.
To measure the effectiveness of these campaigns, Whataburger tracks key performance indicators such as click-through rates, conversion rates, and return on ad spend. This data helps the company refine its targeting strategies and optimize ad creative for maximum impact.
Collaboration with Analytics Partners
Whataburger works closely with analytics partners to gain deeper insights into customer behavior and preferences. These collaborations enable the company to make data-driven decisions about menu offerings, pricing, and marketing strategies.
By analyzing transaction data, customer feedback, and market trends, Whataburger identifies opportunities for growth and improvement. The company uses this information to develop personalized promotions and loyalty programs that encourage repeat visits and increase customer lifetime value.
Whataburger’s analytics partners also help the company measure the impact of its marketing efforts across various channels. This multi-touch attribution allows Whataburger to allocate its marketing budget more effectively and focus on the most successful campaigns.
Career Opportunities and Employee Culture
Whataburger offers a range of career opportunities for individuals seeking growth in the restaurant industry. The company provides competitive salaries and benefits to attract talented employees.
Leadership development is a key focus at Whataburger. Team members can advance from entry-level positions to management roles through training programs and on-the-job experience.
The company culture emphasizes community involvement. Employees have opportunities to make a positive impact in their local areas through various initiatives.
Whataburger’s commitment to employee growth is evident in its promotion of lifelong learning. The organization offers ongoing training to help staff members enhance their skills and advance their careers.
Career paths at Whataburger can lead to diverse roles, from restaurant team member to corporate leadership positions. This vertical mobility encourages long-term employee retention.
The work environment fosters teamwork and camaraderie. Employees often describe the atmosphere as supportive and family-like, contributing to job satisfaction.
Whataburger’s expansion across 14 states has created new job opportunities in various locations. This growth allows employees to potentially transfer to different areas while staying with the company.
• Key employee benefits include:
- Health insurance
- Leadership training
- Career advancement opportunities
- Community engagement programs
Corporate Social Responsibility and Community Engagement
Whataburger prioritizes community involvement as a core part of its corporate values. The company’s signature program, Feeding Student Success, focuses on addressing food insecurity and supporting education.
Through this initiative, Whataburger provides funding for college resource rooms and scholarships. This helps ensure students have access to essential resources and opportunities.
The company also organizes volunteer opportunities for employees through its Whataburger Serves program. Staff members can participate in various community service projects, allowing them to give back locally.
Whataburger engages with communities through targeted partnerships and sponsorships. The company supports local sports teams and events, such as sponsoring high school football games in Texas.
Environmental sustainability is another focus area. Whataburger has taken steps to improve its ecological impact and align operations with sustainable practices.
By emphasizing community engagement and social responsibility, Whataburger aims to create meaningful connections beyond just serving food. These efforts reflect the company’s commitment to being a positive force in the areas where it operates.
Store Locations and Geographic Reach
Whataburger boasts an extensive network of restaurants across multiple states. The chain’s presence is particularly strong in Texas, with hundreds of locations spread throughout the Lone Star State. Whataburger continues to expand its footprint in other regions as well.
Location Finder
Whataburger provides an easy-to-use location finder on its website. Customers can search for nearby restaurants by entering their city, state, or zip code. The tool displays a list of nearby Whataburger locations along with their addresses and contact information.
For added convenience, the location finder includes a map feature. This allows users to visualize restaurant locations in relation to their current position or desired destination. The search results also provide details on store hours and available services like drive-thru or mobile ordering.
New Store Openings by City and State
Whataburger has been steadily expanding its presence beyond its Texas roots. Recent years have seen new store openings in states like Tennessee, Missouri, and Kansas. In 2024, the chain opened several locations in Colorado, marking its entry into the Rocky Mountain region.
Cities witnessing Whataburger’s growth include Nashville, Kansas City, and Denver. These expansions bring the total number of Whataburger locations to over 1,000 across 16 states. The company continues to target urban areas and growing suburbs for its new restaurant openings.
Customer Service and Support
Whataburger offers multiple ways for customers to get assistance and information about their products and services. Their support team can help with orders, gift cards, and general inquiries.
Contacting Customer Service
Whataburger’s customer service team is available through several channels. Customers can call 1-800-628-7437 for direct support. This phone line connects to trained representatives who can address various concerns. For those who prefer digital communication, Whataburger provides online options.
The company’s website features a detailed FAQ section that covers common questions. This resource allows customers to find answers quickly without contacting support directly. Whataburger also maintains an active presence on social media platforms, where they often respond to customer inquiries.
For more complex issues, customers can reach out via email. The support team typically responds to email inquiries within 1-2 business days.
Gift Card Information
Whataburger offers gift cards as a convenient option for customers. These cards can be purchased online or at Whataburger locations. Gift cards are available in various denominations, making them suitable for different budgets.
Customers can check their gift card balance online or by calling customer service. The company provides a dedicated section on their website for gift card management. This area allows users to reload existing cards or transfer balances between cards.
Gift cards do not expire and can be used for both in-store and online purchases. If a gift card is lost or stolen, customer service can assist with card replacement, provided the customer has the necessary information to verify ownership.
Additional Services and Offerings
Whataburger extends its reach beyond restaurant locations through catering options and grocery product lines. These offerings allow customers to enjoy Whataburger flavors in new settings and formats.
Catering and Bulk Orders
Whataburger caters to group events and large gatherings with its bulk ordering options. Customers can place orders for multiple burgers, sides, and drinks to serve at parties, meetings, or other occasions. The catering menu typically includes popular items like Whataburgers, Whatachick’n Sandwiches, and sides such as fries and onion rings.
Bulk orders can be customized to accommodate different group sizes and preferences. Whataburger provides packaging designed for easy transport and serving. Catering services may vary by location, so customers are advised to contact their local Whataburger for specific options and availability.
Grocery Product Lines
Whataburger has expanded into retail with a line of grocery products. These items allow fans to enjoy Whataburger flavors at home. The product range includes condiments, sauces, and other food items inspired by the restaurant’s menu.
Select Whataburger grocery products are available at Hy-Vee stores as of November 2022. H-E-B and Walmart locations in Mexico also carry certain Whataburger items. The availability of these products continues to expand, giving more customers access to Whataburger-branded groceries.
Popular items in the grocery line include Whataburger’s signature Fancy Ketchup, Spicy Ketchup, and Original Mustard. These condiments let customers recreate the Whataburger taste on their own burgers and sandwiches at home.
Sales and Promotional Events
Whataburger’s online store regularly offers exciting sales and promotional events for fans of the brand. These events provide opportunities to purchase merchandise at discounted prices.
The store features a dedicated “Sale” section where customers can find reduced-price items year-round. This collection includes apparel, accessories, and other branded products.
Seasonal sales are common, with special discounts often coinciding with holidays or major events. For example, Cyber Monday sales have offered tiered discounts based on spending amounts, such as 20% off $50 purchases, 25% off $75, and 30% off $100.
Warehouse sales occasionally take place, offering significant savings on select items. During these events, customers may find additional discounts on already reduced merchandise.
Free shipping promotions are sometimes available, typically for orders exceeding a certain threshold. This incentive encourages larger purchases while providing added value to customers.
Email subscribers and social media followers often receive early notifications about upcoming sales and exclusive promotional codes. Joining these channels can help fans stay informed about the latest deals.