How a son and his mom grew closer working at Whataburger 

Tre Preston always loved Whataburger, but he didn’t get to go there much growing up. It was more of a luxury. That is, until he and his mother Sharon started working there and formed a whole new connection — with the restaurant and each other. 

A life-changing lesson 

Sharon already worked full-time to support Tre and his two brothers, but she decided to find another part-time job. Tre was in high school and figured he should get a steady job too, so they both submitted applications to Whataburger. 

After two weeks had passed without hearing back, Sharon decided to be proactive. She woke Tre up one day and told him they were going to the restaurant to follow up in person. 

Tre didn’t want to go. He thought that it was a desperate move. 

But Sharon insisted, and she was right. The manager sat them down for an interview and hired them both on the spot.

“It’s something I’ll never forget,” Tre said. “She taught me that day about being brave, bold, and advocating for yourself.” 

“It was one of those moments where a door in your mind opens up, and there's this flood of understanding. That changed my life in a lot of ways.” 

Memories in every burger 

In their time working together, Tre grew to admire his mother’s work ethic and expertise. 

“She just had it down pat, as if she’d been doing it forever,” Tre said. 

The experience made them grow even closer and gave Tre a deeper appreciation for everything Sharon did for him and his brothers. 

“She was about providing for her family and just teaching her kids the best way that she could,” Tre said. “I’m just so grateful. She taught me a lot about being, for lack of a better word, a hustler.” 

Tre went on to travel the world, working as a choreographer and creative director for 15 years, before deciding to step away and work in ministry. 

Sharon passed away a few years ago, and now for Tre, every visit to Whataburger reminds him of their time together there. 

“When I eat Whataburger,” Tre said, “I always think of her, of that story, and of everything she taught me.”