Whataburger, a beloved fast-food chain known for its signature burgers, has a unique presence in Virginia. While many associate the brand with Texas, a separate franchise called What-A-Burger operates in the Old Dominion state. The first Virginia What-A-Burger opened in Newport News in 1957, founded by entrepreneur Jack Branch.
This Virginia-based What-A-Burger is distinct from its Texas namesake, though both share a focus on quality burgers. The Newport News location on Jefferson Avenue holds historical significance as the oldest What-A-Burger in the state. It continues to serve customers near the former Newport News Circle, where the original restaurant once stood.
Today, several What-A-Burger locations can be found throughout Virginia. These establishments offer a taste of local fast-food history, serving up burgers and shakes to hungry patrons. The enduring popularity of What-A-Burger in Virginia demonstrates the lasting appeal of classic American fast food in the region.
History of Whataburger in Virginia
Whataburger in Virginia has a unique history distinct from the Texas-based chain. In 1957, entrepreneur Jack Branch opened the first What-A-Burger restaurant near Newport News, Virginia.
This Virginia-based What-A-Burger is not affiliated with the larger Texas chain. The original location was situated near the Newport News Circle, which became a local landmark.
Branch’s brother, Paul E. Branch Jr., operated the first store. Over time, additional What-A-Burger locations opened across the state, creating a small regional chain.
In 2004, the Virginia What-A-Burger faced a legal challenge from the Texas-based Whataburger. The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia ruled in favor of the smaller Virginia chain.
The court determined that the Virginia What-A-Burger did not harm or cause confusion with the larger Texas chain. This decision allowed the Virginia restaurants to continue using their name and operating independently.
Today, several What-A-Burger locations remain in Virginia, including the original Jefferson Avenue site in Newport News. These restaurants continue to serve their local communities, maintaining a distinct identity from their Texas namesake.
Whataburger’s Menu Offerings
Whataburger offers a diverse menu featuring classic burgers, sandwiches, breakfast items, kids’ meals, desserts, and beverages. Their menu focuses on customizable options and high-quality ingredients to satisfy a range of tastes and preferences.
Burgers and Sandwiches
Whataburger’s signature item is its 100% pure beef patty burger. The menu includes single, double, and triple patty options. Popular choices are the Whataburger, Justaburger, and Whataburger Jr.
For sandwich lovers, the Patty Melt combines beef, grilled onions, and melted cheese on Texas Toast. The Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich offers a unique twist with crispy chicken strips.
Customers can customize their burgers with toppings like jalapenos, bacon, or avocado. The chain also offers lettuce wraps as a low-carb alternative to buns.
Breakfast Menu
Whataburger serves breakfast from 11 p.m. to 11 a.m. daily. The menu features hearty options like the Breakfast on a Bun, combining eggs, cheese, and a choice of sausage or bacon.
Taquitos are a popular choice, filled with eggs and various ingredients like cheese, potatoes, or sausage. For those with a bigger appetite, the Breakfast Platter includes scrambled eggs, hash browns, and a biscuit.
Pancakes and biscuits with gravy round out the morning offerings. Breakfast sandwiches can be customized with jalapeños or additional meat for extra flavor.
Kids’ Menu
Whataburger caters to younger diners with its “Whatakids” menu. Options include a Junior Burger, Grilled Cheese, or Chicken Strips. Each meal comes with a side and a drink.
Side choices feature apple slices for a healthier option alongside fries. Drinks include milk, juice, or soft drinks. The kids’ menu aims to provide balanced meal options in smaller portions suitable for children.
Whataburger occasionally offers special promotions or themed kids’ meals to keep the menu exciting for younger customers.
Dessert Options
For those with a sweet tooth, Whataburger offers several dessert options. The classic Hot Apple Pie is a fan favorite, featuring a flaky crust and warm apple filling.
Milkshakes come in vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry flavors. These thick, creamy treats are made with real ice cream. Seasonal flavors like Dr Pepper shakes are sometimes available.
Cookies are another popular choice, with chocolate chip being a staple. Cinnamon rolls are offered at some locations as part of the breakfast menu but can be enjoyed any time of day.
Beverage Selection
Whataburger’s drink menu includes a variety of options to complement meals. Soft drinks from major brands are available, with free refills for dine-in customers.
Coffee is served hot or iced, catering to different preferences. The chain takes pride in its fresh-brewed sweet and unsweetened iced tea.
For those seeking healthier options, low-fat milk and juice are available. Whataburger also offers bottled water for customers on the go.
Locations and Accessibility
Whataburger has established a presence in Virginia with multiple locations across the state. These restaurants offer various dining options and services to cater to customer preferences.
City Presence
Whataburger operates 7 locations in Virginia. The fast-food chain has restaurants in Colonial Heights and Newport News. In Colonial Heights, a Whataburger can be found at 1018 Boulevard. Newport News hosts a location at 6117 Jefferson Ave.
These strategic placements allow Whataburger to serve customers in different parts of the state. The restaurants are typically situated in accessible areas, making it convenient for patrons to visit.
Amenities and Services
Whataburger locations in Virginia provide a range of amenities and services. Customers can enjoy dine-in options, allowing them to savor their meals in the restaurant’s seating area.
For those on the go, takeout services are available. This allows patrons to quickly pick up their orders and enjoy Whataburger’s menu items elsewhere. Many locations also offer drive-thru services for added convenience.
The restaurants serve Whataburger’s signature items, including their 100% pure American beef burgers on toasted five-inch buns. Additional menu options like shakes and other fast-food favorites are also available.
Ordering Experience
Whataburger offers convenient ordering options for customers in Virginia. The chain provides both traditional dining experiences and modern tech-enabled solutions to streamline the process.
Dine-In and Takeout Options
Whataburger restaurants in Virginia welcome guests for dine-in service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Customers can place orders at the counter and enjoy their meals in the dining area. For those on the go, drive-thru service is available around the clock.
Takeout orders can be placed in person or by phone. Many locations now offer mobile ordering through the Whataburger app. This allows customers to customize their meals, schedule pickup times, and pay in advance.
Curbside pickup is also an option at select Virginia Whataburger locations. Customers can park in designated spots and have their orders brought directly to their vehicles.
Rewards and Loyalty Programs
Whataburger’s rewards program, Whataburger Rewards, is available to Virginia customers through the mobile app. Members earn points on qualifying purchases that can be redeemed for free menu items.
The program offers a sign-up bonus and birthday rewards. Customers receive one point for every dollar spent. After accumulating 5 visits, members earn free food rewards.
Whataburger occasionally runs special promotions for rewards members. These may include double points days or exclusive menu item offers. The app also allows users to track their rewards balance and available offers.
Community Engagement and Impact
Whataburger demonstrates a strong commitment to community engagement in Virginia and beyond. The company’s signature program, Feeding Student Success, focuses on addressing food insecurity and supporting education.
Through this initiative, Whataburger contributes to college resource rooms and provides scholarships. These efforts aim to make a meaningful impact on students’ lives and their academic journeys.
The company also organizes volunteer opportunities for its employees, known as Family Members. Whataburger Serves coordinates community service projects that allow staff to give back to their local areas.
In Virginia, Whataburger’s community engagement aligns with broader state initiatives. The Virginia Community Engagement Index (VCEI) tracks service, volunteerism, and civic action across the state.
This index provides valuable insights into community needs and priorities. It helps organizations like Whataburger tailor their efforts to address specific local challenges.
By participating in such initiatives, Whataburger contributes to the overall community resilience in Virginia. The company’s engagement extends beyond serving food, fostering connections that strengthen the fabric of local communities.
Customer Feedback
Whataburger values customer opinions and encourages patrons to share their dining experiences. The company offers a survey program that allows customers to provide feedback and potentially earn rewards.
Whataburger Reviews
Customers can participate in the Whataburger Customer Survey by visiting whataburgervisit.com. To access the survey, patrons need a recent receipt with a survey code or QR code. The survey is available in both English and Spanish.
Participants must be 18 years or older to take part. The feedback process typically includes questions about food quality, service, and overall experience. By completing the survey, customers may receive a coupon for a free burger.
Whataburger uses this feedback to improve its offerings and customer service. The company takes customer opinions seriously, using them to shape future menu items and enhance dining experiences.
Reviews often highlight Whataburger’s signature items, such as their juicy burgers and friendly service. Customer feedback helps the brand maintain its reputation as a beloved fast-food chain in the Southern United States.
Operating Hours and Locations
Whataburger has several locations in Virginia with varied operating hours. Most restaurants offer extended hours and breakfast options to serve customers throughout the day and night.
Whataburger Hours by Cities
Whataburger operates in multiple cities across Virginia. Prince George hosts a location at 1901 Advantage Dr, #H. This restaurant, like many others, may be open 24/7.
Store hours can differ between locations. It’s best to check with individual restaurants for their specific operating times. Some Whataburger outlets maintain round-the-clock service, while others may have more limited hours.
Virginia currently has 7 Whataburger locations. Each store aims to provide convenient access for local residents craving their signature burgers and menu items.
Breakfast and Late-Night Services
Many Whataburger restaurants offer breakfast menus and late-night dining options. Breakfast is typically served from 11:00 PM to 11:00 AM.
Late-night services cater to customers seeking meals outside of traditional dining hours. Some locations operate 24/7, allowing patrons to satisfy their cravings at any time.
The full menu is usually available from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM. After this, a more limited late-night menu may be offered. Exact timings can vary by location, so it’s advisable to confirm with your local Whataburger.
Employment Opportunities
Whataburger offers diverse career paths and competitive benefits for those seeking jobs in the fast food industry. The company values employee growth and provides opportunities for advancement within its organization.
Career Paths at Whataburger
Whataburger provides various entry points for individuals looking to start or advance their careers. Team Member roles serve as a foundation, allowing employees to learn the basics of restaurant operations. From there, motivated individuals can progress to Team Leader or Team Trainer positions.
For those with leadership aspirations, the company offers Restaurant Leader roles. These positions come with increased responsibilities and the chance to manage restaurant operations. Ambitious employees can aim for Operating Partner positions, overseeing multiple locations.
Whataburger also hires for corporate roles in areas such as marketing, finance, and human resources. These positions support the company’s overall growth and strategy.
Employee Benefits and Culture
Whataburger prioritizes employee well-being through a comprehensive benefits package. This includes:
- Health insurance
- Dental and vision coverage
- 401(k) retirement plans
- Paid time off
The company fosters a positive work environment focused on teamwork and customer satisfaction. Whataburger invests in leadership development programs to help employees grow professionally.
Employee recognition programs celebrate outstanding performance. The company’s culture emphasizes making a difference in local communities through various initiatives.
Flexible scheduling options accommodate different lifestyles and commitments. Whataburger’s commitment to equal employment opportunities ensures a diverse and inclusive workplace.
Whataburger vs. What-a-Burger
Whataburger and What-A-Burger are two distinct burger chains that share similar names but have different origins and operating regions.
Whataburger, founded by Harmon Dobson, opened its first location in Corpus Christi, Texas in 1950. It has since grown into a large regional chain primarily in the southern United States.
What-A-Burger, on the other hand, was established by Jack Branch in Newport News, Virginia in 1957. This smaller chain operates primarily in Virginia and surrounding states.
Despite the name similarity, these are separate companies with no corporate affiliation. Their coexistence has led to legal disputes over trademark rights.
In 2003, a federal court ruled that Whataburger owned the trademark rights to the name. However, What-A-Burger in Virginia was allowed to continue using its name within its existing territory.
The court decision was based on the fact that Whataburger was not operating in Virginia at the time. This ruling allowed both chains to maintain their identities in their respective regions.
Customers in different parts of the country may encounter either Whataburger or What-A-Burger, depending on their location. The two chains offer distinct menu items and dining experiences.
Additional Offerings
Whataburger in Virginia goes beyond its iconic burgers to offer a diverse range of menu items and branded products. Customers can enjoy quick snacks and convenience store-style items alongside grocery products featuring Whataburger’s signature flavors.
Quick Bites and Snacks
Whataburger’s menu includes a variety of quick bites perfect for on-the-go snacking. Crispy chicken strips are a popular choice, available in 2 or 4-piece servings with dipping sauces. The restaurant also offers apple slices as a healthier alternative.
Whataburger’s breakfast taquitos provide a handheld morning option, filled with eggs, cheese, and meat. For those with a sweet tooth, cinnamon rolls and warm cookies are available throughout the day.
Sides like crispy french fries and onion rings round out the snack offerings. These items can be ordered individually or as part of a combo meal.
Branded Grocery Items
Whataburger has expanded its presence into retail stores with a line of branded grocery products. Fans can now enjoy Whataburger’s signature flavors at home.
The product line includes Whataburger’s famous condiments such as Fancy Ketchup, Spicy Ketchup, and Jalapeño Ranch. These sauces come in squeeze bottles for easy use.
Whataburger’s Premium Pork Sausage is available in grocery meat sections, allowing customers to recreate their favorite breakfast items. The brand also offers Honey Butter and Breakfast Sausage in convenient packages.
Potato chips inspired by Whataburger’s menu flavors provide a crunchy snack option. These products can be found in major supermarkets across Virginia.