Exchange students get their first taste of America 

Matthew and Inez Freeman of Benton, Louisiana are spreading love for Whataburger across the world, one international exchange student at a time. 

Over the past 18 years, they’ve hosted 15 students from a dozen countries. Since they moved to Louisiana in 2015, Whataburger has been the first place they take each exchange student — and the last place they eat together before they leave. 

The tradition started when one of their exchange students, a kid from Spain named Lorenzo, said he wanted an American burger. Naturally, they took him to Whataburger. 

Now, they do the same for every exchange student. It gives them a chance to eat and unwind after a long day of travel, and serves as a sort of neutral ground where everybody can get comfortable with each other. 

“We end up talking for hours, getting to know them over burgers and fries,” Matthew said. 

“We always sit in the same booth, and it's just a fun, special time,” Inez added. 

Loving Whataburger is the American Way 

Matthew and Inez say Whataburger’s quality food and Southern hospitality make it an ideal introduction to America for the exchange students they host. 

“It’s like taking baby steps into American culture,” Matt said. “It turns into a learning experience.” 

“You might take for granted something as little as going and getting a burger,” Inez said. “But for them, it's amazing. They've been dreaming of coming here for years, and we get to watch it unfold. It’s really special and exciting.” 

Two kids became especially enamored with Whataburger: Javier from Spain and Sander from Denmark. Sander and Trystan, Inez and Matthew’s son, even wore matching shirts to school for homecoming. That Christmas, Sander asked for Whataburger pajamas. 

“He said it was the best Christmas present he got,” Inez said. “The kid loved his pajamas more than his PlayStation 5. He loved him some Whataburger.” 

At the end of the students’ 10-month stay, Matt and Inez always give them a choice of where they want to eat their last meal before they leave — and they all choose to go back to Whataburger.