Whataburger

American regional fast food restaurant chain

Whataburger is an American regional fast food restaurant chain, headquartered in San Antonio, Texas. It specializes in hamburgers and is known for its distinctive A-frame buildings and orange-and-white striped roofs. The chain was founded by Harmon Dobson and Paul Burton in 1950 in Corpus Christi, Texas.

History

The first Whataburger was opened on August 8, 1950, by Harmon Dobson and Paul Burton. The goal was to serve a burger so big that it took two hands to hold and so good that after a single bite customers would exclaim, "What a burger!" The original location was a small stand in Corpus Christi, Texas, and the price of a burger was 25 cents.

In 1951, Dobson and Burton ended their partnership, and Dobson took over the business. The company began to expand, opening its first drive-in location in 1952. By 1960, there were 17 Whataburger locations across Texas, Florida, and Tennessee.

Tragedy struck in 1967 when Harmon Dobson died in a plane crash. His widow, Grace Dobson, took over the company and continued its expansion. By the end of the 1970s, Whataburger had grown to over 200 locations.

Menu

Whataburger's menu features a variety of items, but it is best known for its hamburgers. The signature item is the "Whataburger," which includes a large beef patty, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, diced onions, and mustard on a five-inch bun. Customers can customize their burgers with additional toppings such as cheese, bacon, jalapeños, and avocado.

In addition to burgers, the menu includes chicken sandwiches, breakfast items, salads, and milkshakes. Whataburger is also known for its "Whatachick'n" sandwiches and "Taquitos," which are popular breakfast items.

Locations

As of 2023, Whataburger operates over 800 locations across the Southern United States. The majority of its restaurants are located in Texas, but the chain has expanded to other states including Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida.

Corporate Structure

Whataburger is a privately held company. In 2019, a majority stake in the company was sold to BDT Capital Partners, a Chicago-based investment firm. Despite the sale, the company remains headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, and continues to be operated by members of the Dobson family.

Cultural Impact

Whataburger has a strong cultural presence in Texas and is often considered a regional icon. It has been referenced in various forms of media, including music and television. The chain is known for its loyal customer base, who often express their devotion through social media and fan merchandise.

Related pages

• Fast food restaurant
• Hamburger
• San Antonio, Texas
• Corpus Christi, Texas