How Whataburger fueled workers on a historic campaign 

Before she became a trailblazing mayor of Laredo, Texas, Betty Flores was a career woman working for Laredo National Bank, a wife, a mother, and a big Whataburger fan.

In 1997, when she first ran for office, Betty went to Whataburger seeking campaign contributions. Although she wasn’t able to get a donation, she returned to her office with coupons for free Whataburgers for her campaign workers. 

“It was the best thing that could have happened,” Betty said. “At the end of the day, when we were really tired, it was so cool to go get a Whataburger with those coupons. It was wonderful. It saved the day.” 

They won the election, and Betty made history by becoming Laredo’s first female mayor. They ate so many burgers that, after she won the election, her campaign manager Rafael Torres whispered in her ear, “Is it okay if I don't eat Whataburger for a few weeks?” 

Now, she and her husband spend their days on her cattle ranch near Laredo, enjoying time with family and treating her grandson to Whataburger. 

“When he was ready to chew, the first thing we did was introduce him to Whataburger, and he loved it,” Betty said. “He’s a Whataburger freak.” 

Seventy-five years in business are bound to bring changes, Betty says, but she thanks Whataburger for always keeping the veggies fresh and the customer service top-notch. 

“The wonderful taste is always there,” Betty said, “and that, to me, is the most important.”