Press Kit

About Whataburger

Whataburger is the hometown hamburger place that hasn’t compromised. We serve bold flavors and original recipes made to order, just like you like it, and pride ourselves on extraordinary hospitality and meaningful connections in our communities. That’s what’s led fans to Whataburger since Harmon Dobson served our first customer in 1950. Headquartered in San Antonio, we’ve stayed close to our roots while building sales of more than $3 billion annually across our 14-state footprint and more than 930 locations. Even with our exceptional menu, we know that people make the difference at Whataburger. That’s why we’re a 2022 Top Workplaces Culture Excellence award winner. Want to become part of our orange spirit? Apply to become a Family Member (what we call our employees) at whataburger.com/careers. Just hungry for a great meal? Download our app on ios or android to order ahead. Shop Whataburger branded merchandise and selected sauces including our famous Fancy and Spicy Ketchup at WhataStore.com and find Whataburger original-recipe products in grocery stores. See our press kit for a list of locations, fun facts, milestones and other company information.

At a Glance

Whataburger is the hometown hamburger place that hasn’t compromised. We serve original recipes made to order, just like you like it, and pride ourselves on our service to our customers and our communities.

Home Office:San Antonio (moved from Corpus Christi, TX in 2009)
Footprint:930+ restaurants 14-states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas (site map)
Employees:50,000+ Family Members
Customers:60 million
Hours: Most restaurants are open 24/7, 364 days a year (closed on Christmas day)

News Reporter Contact

WhataburgerPR@wbhq.com

For all non-news inquiries, please contact our Customer Care team or call 800-6Burger.

Images and Videos

Images, Logos and Videos posted are approved for download and use.

 

Fun Facts

In 2021, Whataburger:

  • Served enough 1 oz Fancy and Spicy Ketchup tubs to fill more than six Olympic swimming pools.
  • Used enough cheese slices to give one to every person in the United States. That’s over 330 million slices!
  • Served 150 school buses full of fresh-cut onions.
  • Used enough table tents that if you lined them up, they would stretch across Texas nearly four times. In the same year, more than a million of our table tents also suspiciously went “missing.”
  • Dressed burgers with enough mustard to fill a 2,600 square-foot home to the ceiling.
  • Cut fresh and served enough lettuce to cover over 30 football fields.
  • Whataburger’s original-recipe sauces are sold in 5,000 grocery stores across 25 states and Mexico – that’s more than five times as many stores as we have restaurants in more than twice as many states.

Whataburger Food Truck

In celebration of our 70th anniversary in 2020, Whataburger unveiled the brand’s first food truck built in partnership with Cruising Kitchens, a San Antonio-based custom mobile kitchens builder. 

 It’s truly a Whataburger on wheels at 24 feet long and powered by a 30,000-watt generator. It has 19 feet of cook line, including two four-foot grills with the same state-of-the-art commercial equipment we use in our restaurants. 

 The food truck has visited guests across our restaurant footprint—feeding military members and their families, healthcare workers, students, teachers and more to support and serve our communities. 

If you see the Whataburger Food Truck in-person or on the road, be sure to share it with us using #WheresWhataburger on social media. 

Whataburger Museum of Art

At Whataburger, we’re fortunate to have so many talented fans who have transformed their brand love into pieces of art – that’s pretty special.  

To celebrate and support our fans whose artwork uplifts, inspires and connects us, we’ve created the Whataburger Museum of Art, a collection of art on Instagram by the fans and for the fans that goes beyond the grill.  

The Whataburger Museum of Art can be found by visiting @TheWMOA. 

Limited Time Offers 

Every few months, we make changes to our menu to keep things fresh. Check out our limited-time menu additions in our Newsroom.

Careers at Whatabuger

We take pride in our work, take care of each other and love serving our guests. For those who join our family, we instill values and skills that will serve you well no matter where your journey leads.

Whataburger is looking for talented restaurant team members to deliver the Whataburger experience to our guests.

Whataburger Family Members – what we call our employees – are paid weekly and have access to flexible schedules (we’re open 24/7). All employees participate in a robust training program that puts them on track for career advancement.

Managers have the potential to earn $60,000 a year, based on both market and performance. Operating Partners earn an average of six figures, including bonuses of up to 150% of their target incentive. Both Operating Partner and Manager positions receive competitive health, dental and vision insurance, paid vacation and 401(k) benefits.

All Whataburger Family Members and their dependents are eligible for college scholarships through our Whataburger Family Foundation.

If you’re eager to join an iconic brand with a 72-year history of serving up an excellent customer experience, we encourage you to apply. Visit whataburger.com/careers to learn more.

Whatabuger Merchandise

Our ever-changing collection of Whataburger branded merchandise is available at shop.whatastore.com

 Whataburger grocery products including our Fancy and Spicy Ketchups, Original Mustard, Honey BBQ and Jalapeño Ranch sauces and Whataburger Pancake Mix are also available at whatastore.com

Grocery Distribution 

What started in 2013 with Whataburger Fancy Ketchup, Spicy Ketchup and Original Mustard in H-E-B locations in Texas, has grown to a 15-item original-recipe grocery product line with shelf space in over 5,000 grocery stores across 25 states. 

Whataburger grocery products can be ordered online at whatastore.com or purchased at select grocery stores. For more information about Whataburger grocery items and grocery locations, please visit our newsroom

Online Ordering 

Online ordering is available across our footprint through the Whataburger App and at whataburger.com.   

Download the free Whataburger App from the App Store or Google Play and get a free Whatabuger! 

Through the app, guests can save their favorite orders and really take time to create their dream-burger build. 

For every five visits using the Whataburger App, customers will earn a free reward from among several Whataburger favorites. These include a 32-oz. drink, a medium fry or onion rings, a Taquito, a cinnamon roll, a Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit, a small shake or a Whataburger Jr. Guests spending $20 or more on a single order will receive credit for two visits.  

Curbside/Delivery 

Online ordering is a simple way to order your favorite meal, just like you like it, in advance for curbside pickup or delivery right to your front door.  

To place an order for curbside pickup, choose your items on the Whataburger App or whataburger.com, head to your Whataburger restaurant and park where you see our curbside signs. Then, just check into the app with your curbside number and we’ll bring your order to you! 

Whatabuger Feeding Student Success

Whataburger Feeding Student Success is Whataburger’s signature community program at the intersection of food insecurity and education. It focuses on supporting students at all levels of their education to help them achieve their goals and dreams in three main ways:

Since launching the program in 2020, we’ve given more than $5 million to support students in need. 

Whatabuger Feeding Student Success Scholarships

The Whataburger Feeding Student Success Scholarship is a new, $500,000 commitment to help college, university and not-for-profit vocation school students achieve their educational goals.   

 It’s part of Whataburger Feeding Student Success, Whataburger’s signature community program at the intersection of food insecurity and education.  

The scholarship will be awarded annually to 100 students across Whataburger’s 14-state footprint. Recipients will receive a non-renewable $5,000 scholarship to be used for tuition, fees, books, supplies and housing for the following academic school year. 

 Please check here for more eligibility and application information. 

Ranking and Accolades 

2022
  • Recognized by Restaurant Business as one of the 10 fastest-growing burger chains in its annual Top 500 report.  
  • Ranked No. 7 among fast food chains on Newsweek’s list of “America’s Best Loyalty Programs”  
  • Placed No. 2 for Newsweek’s "Fast-Food Restaurant Chains" in its annual "America's Best Customer Service" 
  • Ranked No. 4 on USA TODAY Readers’ Choice “10 Best Regional Fast Food” list  
2021
  • Recognized as Top Workplaces 2021 Employer by the San Antonio Express-News  
  • Named “Regional Chain of the Year” for “The Fasties,” Thrillist’s annual fast food awards 
  • Ranked No. 6 on USA TODAY Readers’ Choice “10 Best Regional Fast Food” list  
  • Placed No. 2 for Newsweek’s "Fast-Food Restaurant Chains" in its annual "America's Best Customer Service"  
2020
  • “Best French Fries” winner in San Antonio Current’s annual “Best of San Antonio” issue 
  • Texas Sports Life ran a bracket poll that rated Whataburger as the “Most Iconic Brand in Texas” winner in Texas Sports Life bracket poll 
  • Whataburger was selected as the winner of the “Heart of the Workplace” award at the 2020 Best Practices Awards 
  • Newsweek ranked Whataburger No. 3 for “Fast-Food Restaurant Chains” in its annual “America’s Best Customer Service” list 
  • Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD), Blind Services and Vocational Rehabilitation recognized Whataburger with an “Exceptional Employer Award” 
  • Eater’s Guide to Dallas mentioned Whataburger as one of “Texas’ favorite late-night eats” 
  • San Antonio Current readers voted Whataburger as the “Best Late-Night Place to Eat” and “Best Burger” 
  • Food & Wine included Whataburger in its “Best Fast Food in Every State” feature, representing the state of Texas 
  • Austin Chronicle mentioned Whataburger’s Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit as a “tried-and-true Southern staple” in its “Best Chicken Sandwiches in Austin” article 

Our History

On Aug. 8, 1950, an adventurous and determined entrepreneur named Harmon Dobson opened up the world’s first Whataburger on Ayers Street in Corpus Christi, Texas. He had a simple goal: to serve a burger so big it took two hands to hold and so good that after one bite guests would say, “What a burger!” He succeeded on both counts and turned that one little burger stand into a legend loved throughout Texas and the South. 

Today, each and every Whataburger is made to order, right when it’s ordered. And they’re still made with 100 percent pure, never-frozen beef and served on a big toasted five-inch bun with all “the extras” to suit your taste. Grilled jalapeños, extra bacon, three slices of cheese, no tomatoes, extra pickles? No problem. Your Whataburger will be made just like you like it, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

Whataburger’s following has grown exponentially in its more than 72-year history, thanks to a number of features, including its famous burgers and growing list of menu items, its iconic orange-and-white-striped restaurants and its famous Fancy Ketchup. 

Whataburger is more than a burger chain. It’s a place that feels like home to more than 50,000 employees, called Family Members, and millions of guests. It’s a brand built on pride, care and love. It’s a place people count on in their communities. It’s a place where goodness lives. So now with more than 930 Whataburger restaurants across 14 states stretching from Arizona to Florida, road-trippers and hometown folks alike continue gathering under the big orange-and-white roofs for fresh, made-to-order burgers and friendly service. 

1950s
1950 - On Aug. 8, Harmon Dobson opened Whataburger #1 in Corpus Christi, Texas. 
1953 - Joe Andrews Sr. became the first franchisee and opened Whataburger #5 in Alice, Texas.
1955 - On March 11, Harmon and Grace Dobson married.
1959 - Harmon Dobson opened Whataburger #21 in Pensacola, Florida – the first Whataburger outside of Texas.                               
1960s
1961 - The first A-Frame opened in Odessa, Texas – Restaurant #24.
1962 - The Whataburger menu grew with the addition of fried pies and french fries.
1963 - Whataburger expanded to 26 restaurants across Texas, Florida, Tennessee and Arizona.
1967 - On April 11, a plane crash claimed the life of Harmon Dobson. His wife Grace refused to sell Whataburger, choosing instead to run the business herself.
1969 - Grace Dobson became chairman of the board.
1970s 
1971 - Whataburger installed its first drive-thru.
1972 - Whataburger opened its 100th restaurant.
1973 - Whataburger Jr. was added to the menu, as were jalapeños and onion rings. 
1973 - Following a design contest, Whataburger chose Corpus Christi artist Will Clay’s “Flying W” as its logo.
1974 - The “Modern A-Frame” restaurant architecture was introduced, with bigger dining rooms and better drive-thru service.
1980s 
1980 - The 300th location opened. 
1980 - Whataburger raised its advertising profile with spokespeople like country singer Mel Tillis.
1982 - The first restaurants began operating 24/7.
1982 - Whataburger began serving breakfast in all locations.
1983 - Breakfast On A Bun, Whatachick’n and Taquitos were added to the menu.
1987 - The 400th Whataburger opened.
1990s
1993 - Tom Dobson, one of Harmon and Grace’s sons, became CEO and president.
1994 - Whataburger recorded its first $1 million day.
1995 - The 500th restaurant opened, making Whataburger the country’s eighth-largest hamburger chain.     
1998 - System-wide sales reached $500,000.
1999 - Whataburger hosted its first WhataGames competition.
1999 - Whataburger by the Bay opened as the flagship store in Corpus Christi.
2000s
2000 - On Aug. 8, Whataburger celebrated its 50th anniversary with 575 restaurants in operation.
2001 - The 77th Texas Legislature recognized Whataburger as a Texas treasure.
2004 - Whataburger Field, home of the Corpus Christi Hooks Class AA baseball team, opened.
2005 - Grace Dobson passed away, leaving her children in charge of a growing company with more than 600 restaurants.
2007 - Preston Atkinson was named president.
2008 - Whataburger reached $1 billion in system-wide sales.
2009 - Whataburger moved its Home Office to San Antonio from Corpus Christi, Texas. 
2010s
2011 - Whataburger introduced four All-Time Favorite sandwiches to its menu.
2012 - Whataburger unveiled a new look for its menu, categorized by Burgers, Chicken and Breakfast, and introduced the Under 550 Calories menu.
2013 - Whataburger’s Facebook page reached 1 million fans after just launching in April 2011.
2013 - Whataburger bottled Fancy Ketchup, Spicy Ketchup and Original Mustard and made them available at H-E-B stores and online at WhataStore.
2017 - In July, Whataburger launched its digital newsroom.
2019 - Online ordering through Whataburger’s app and website debuted. 
2019 - BDT Capital Partners acquired a majority interest in Whataburger.
2019 - Ed Nelson was promoted to President.
2020s
2020 - Curbside pickup and delivery options launched.
2020 - Whataburger unveiled a food truck on its 70th anniversary.
2020 - Whataburger opened its first new large-restaurant prototype in Bellmead, Texas.
2021 - Whataburger awarded more than $90 million in bonuses to its employees in thanks for their extraordinary service during the pandemic and severe weather across its 10-state footprint.
2021 - Whataburger launched its signature community program, Whataburger Feeding Student Success, to serve at the intersection of food insecurity and education.
2021 - Whataburger elevated General Managers to Operating Partners with the ability to earn six figures. 
2021 - Whataburger opened its first restaurants in Kansas City, Missouri, expanding its footprint to 11 states. 
2022 - The first Nashville, Colorado Springs and Kansas City, Kansas, locations opened, expanding Whataburger’s footprint to 14 states.
2022 - Whataburger Feeding Student Success awarded its first scholarships to students and exceeded more than $1 million in charitable giving.