Stories & News | Whataburger

Whataburger and Dallas Cowboys Hold Fourth Annual Fundraiser Benefiting The Salvation Army of North Texas

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 08:00:00 -0600

At-a-Glance:

Whataburger and the Dallas Cowboys’ fourth annual fundraiser for the Salvation Army of North Texas will support youth education programs across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
Customers donating $1 or more at participating restaurants from Thursday, Nov. 23 through Monday, Dec. 18 will receive a thank-you coupon for a free Whataburger, redeemable at a future visit.
Kickoff event on Wednesday, Nov. 29 from 6 P.M. to 8 P.M. at Christmas in Grapevine will include giveaways, player autographs and more.

At the heart of the holiday season is community support, which is why Whataburger and the Dallas Cowboys are teaming up for the fourth consecutive year to raise funds for The Salvation Army of North Texas in support of the organization’s youth education programs across North Texas.

From Thanksgiving Day on Thursday, Nov. 23 through Monday, Dec. 18, customers who donate $1 or more to The Salvation Army of North Texas at any of the 197 Whataburger locations across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex will receive a thank-you coupon for a free Whataburger with the purchase of a medium fry and 32-ounce drink, redeemable at a future visit.

“Access to essential resources sets our community's students up for success,” said Whataburger Brand Leader George Gonzalez. “With our good partners at the Dallas Cowboys, our support of the Salvation Army of North Texas will help provide those resources to help students reach their dreams.”

The Salvation Army’s Project Tomorrow program is one of the areas that funds will support. Through this program, the organization is able to provide scholarships to middle and high school students, as well as gifted and talented and at-risk youth to help elevate their educational journeys.

“Having key partners like Whataburger and the Dallas Cowboys allows The Salvation Army of North Texas to address the startling realities of poverty, addiction, and homelessness year-round. We are so grateful for their continuous support of our mission,” said Major Paul McFarland, Area Commander of The Salvation Army of North Texas. “Our holistic approach to youth programs makes a life-long impact. Donations from generous Whataburger customers will enable us to provide even more resources that lead the children in our community to bright futures.”

Whataburger and the Dallas Cowboys will host a kick-off event on Wednesday, Nov. 29 from 6 P.M. to 8 P.M. at Christmas Capital of Texas in Grapevine at the Grapevine Convention and Visitors Bureau, 636 S. Main Street. The Cowboys Whatamoments truck will be on site with giveaways and host player autographs. Guests can expect special visits from Dallas Cowboys legend Drew Pearson (6:45 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.), Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.), mascot Rowdy, Whataguy and the Whataburger Food Truck (while supplies last). The fundraiser check presentation will take place on January 10, with more information to be announced.

“The work that The Salvation Army and Whataburger do with our local community and youth outreach programs is the reason why we eagerly continue to lend a hand as partners,” said Dallas Cowboys Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer, Charlotte Jones. “Making a difference in the lives of these children is our top priority, and we’re honored to provide the resources necessary to succeed in a challenging world.”

About Gene and Jerry Jones Family Foundation

In the area of community service, Gene and Jerry Jones Family Foundation’s mission is built upon an overall philosophy of helping those who don't have the strength, the resources or the means to help themselves. As a sports entity that has enjoyed unprecedented success and recognition for six decades, the Dallas Cowboys feel a very strong obligation to transfer that championship tradition and the magic that it creates toward the bigger purpose of making a difference in the community. More information about the Dallas Cowboys is available at www.dallascowboys.com.

About The Salvation Army of North Texas

The Salvation Army of North Texas provides a range of services to combat poverty, addiction, and homelessness at 21 centers of operation in Dallas and Rockwall, Tarrant and Ellis, and Denton and Collin counties. Faithful to our mission, The Salvation Army enables God-empowered transformations of individuals and society through food assistance, shelter, rehabilitation, counseling, spiritual support, mentoring and job placement, and more. For more information, visit SalvationArmyNorthTexas.org.

About Grapevine, The Christmas Capital of Texas®

Share the Joy of the Christmas season in the Christmas Capital of Texas! Historic Grapevine offers more than 1,400 events over 40 days and was officially declared the Christmas Capital of Texas by the Texas State Senate in 2009. Centrally located between Dallas and Fort Worth, Grapevine is the premiere go-to destination when planning a getaway or vacation in North Texas, providing guests a sophisticated escape from the big city. Step back in time on Historic Main Street and visit fantastic locally-owned shops, boutiques, restaurants and galleries. Guests can unwind at one of the many award-winning winery tasting rooms and rest easy at one of the city’s exceptional hotels including Gaylord Texan Resort and Great Wolf Lodge. For more information head to ChristmasCapitalofTexas.com or GrapevineTexasUSA.com.

Yule Be This Year’s Favorite Gift Giver! Discover the Latest Whataburger Merch

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 08:17:32 -0600

Whether you’re on a mission to check off that gift list (twice that is), or simply ho-ho-hoping for some Whataburger charm under your tree, we’ve got a sleigh-full of new holiday delights to make your season merry and bright.

🎅 Santa-Approved Styles: We've got the perfect holiday outfit that might just make your mouth water. Our latest sweater design features dreamy visions of Patty Melts, Number Ones, Honey Butter Chicken Biscuits, and fries galore. Pair it with matching socks or our cozy Fuzzy Socks for an ensemble that's stylin’.

🎁 The Classics: This year's collectible Nutcracker holds a seasonal table tent to greet your party guests. Plus, our Whataburger Santa Ornament, head to toe in orange, will add an extra touch of cheer to your holiday décor. He sees you when you're hungry, and he knows we're open late!

🎄 Festive Home Additions: Brighten up your tabletop with our collectible Whataburger Ceramic Christmas Tree adorned with vibrant orange and white lights, or a special “Merry Christmas” Holiday Table Tent.

“All my homies love the Gnomies!” Bring some whimsy to your holiday setup with our Holiday Gnome Plush, ready for the season with his Flying W Hat.

💤 Cozy Comfort: The snuggle is real! Our fan-fave Fry Slippers were so popular last year—we brought them back! Slip into comfort while showing off your love of our famous golden, crispy fries.

Stay cozy in our new White Day Dot Sleep Shorts, featuring a splash of some of your favorite colorful Day Dot Stickers, plus the newly designed Adult Pajama Set, featuring a bright orange design inspired by your favorite restaurant elements like the classic A-frame, cups, fries and Day Dots. And we didn't forget the little ones! Our Youth Pajama Set is perfect for matching with the whole family.

For an added layer of comfort, add a custom Whataburger Comfy® Original and Whataburger Comfy® Dream. Double layered with fleece microfiber on the outside and sherpa on the inside, it’s sure to keep you warm all winter long.

🧥 For Him: Gentlemen, gear up for the season with outerwear. The Open Late Crewneck is perfect for Night Owls who crave bold flavors day and night. For extra warmth, the Sportiqe Charcoal Hoodie is lined in fleece with a roomy fit and boasts an athletic look.

If you're planning a getaway, check out our Whataburger swim trunks in Flying W, Rodeo Collage and Blue Texas Flag designs, caps, and neon-inspired Chubbies® apparel – including a Chubbies® Neon Polo and Chubbies® Neon Swim Trunks – to stay cool and stylish whether you're hitting the waves or the golf course.

👚 For Her: Ladies, if bling is your thing, explore our collection of hand-enameled sterling silver charms. Choose from the “Whataburger® Fancy” Ketchup Charm and “Whataburger® Spicy” Ketchup Charm, featuring Whataburger’s signature ketchup tubs with great attention to detail. Add in other designs in the collaborative collection including the Enamel Whataburger® French Fries Charm, Whataburger® Charm with a Flying W, Enamel “Whataburger®” Heart Charm and Enamel Whataburger® Cup Charm.

👶 For the Kids: We didn't forget our youngest fans! The Whatakids® collection features items just for them, like the Whataburger is My Happy Place Tee, Raised On Youth Tee and WhataBaby Bib.

Be sure to tag us on social media once Santa comes to town. Happy shopping!

First Colorado Springs Whataburger to Open Wednesday

Thu, 17 Feb 2022 08:00:00 -0600

The wait is over. The first Colorado Springs Whataburger will open on Wednesday, Feb. 23, at 11 a.m. at 1310 Interquest Pkwy.

“We’re excited to bring Whataburger’s big flavors, fresh ingredients and original recipes to Colorado,” said William Tamminga, owner of BurgerWorks, Whataburger’s franchise partner. “We’re looking forward to growing here and being part of the community.”

The new restaurant pays respect to Whataburger’s history while looking to the future with features including a state-of-the-art kitchen, an open-concept dining room and a double-lane drive-thru. The restaurant also displays custom interior wall art highlighting Colorado Springs’ hometown landmarks.

Led by Operating Partner Seven Weaver, the local Whataburger team of 150 employees, who Whataburger calls Family Members, is ready to serve the community through the dining room open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and the drive-thru open 24/7. Curbside pickup and delivery for online orders will be available in the coming weeks.

Additional Whataburger locations will open later this year at 6140 Dublin Blvd and 5905 Constitution Ave. As the brand grows locally, Whataburger plans to hire 300 talented Family Members to deliver the Whataburger experience.

Just Like Great-Grandmother's Home Cookin'

Fri, 10 Nov 2017 10:29:00 -0600

For Haydee Villarreal, the taste of chorizo conjures up happy childhood memories of Laredo, where her great-grandmother served up homemade flour tortillas and fresh chorizo.

“Every morning, it was chorizo and eggs,” Villarreal says. “In most of my memories of her, she had my breakfast ready every morning.”

Because of that strong family tie to the flavor, Villarreal is a discerning chorizo customer.

“There are so many places now in Dallas that are Latin fusion,” she says. It’s exciting to see the influence of the food she loves, Villarreal says, but can be frustrating because not everyone understands the history behind the meal – and, as a result, don’t always get it right.

Villarreal knows the real deal when she tastes it. And that chorizo expertise made her the perfect talent for a Whataburger commercial touting the limited-time-offer Chorizo Burger.

“It was great!” she says of the Chorizo Burger. “I had no idea what to expect.”

Villarreal was dining at her Whataburger one afternoon when she was approached about appearing in a Whataburger ad; a longtime fan, she agreed without knowing the product. She showed up and was presented with the Chorizo Burger, months before anyone else could try it.

One bite, and she was sold.

“I loved the burger because you could actually taste the chorizo,” she says. “It feels like something my grandmother would have made.”

The burger features Mexican-style chorizo, two all-beef patties, grilled peppers and onions, Creamy Chili Sauce and two slices of Monterey Jack cheese.

For Villarreal, those flavors bring together her Laredo childhood and her “real” hometown of Dallas. She has lived in North Texas since she was four, and that’s where she gained a love of Whataburger.

In fact, her Whataburger allegiance wasn’t sealed until she left Texas for college in Miami.

“I didn’t realize it until I got out there — there’s no Whataburger!” she says. “When I would come home, it was one of those things that I had to get.”

Her burger of choice: a Whataburger Junior, all the way.

Now back in her hometown, Villarreal has a newborn son, and teaches dance and theater at a nonprofit in Dallas.

She hopes to take her son to visit her great grandmother, now 91, in Laredo – and continue the family tradition. “When I was little, I learned how to make tortillas,” Villarreal says. “I’d like to have her show me how to do them again.”

These Whataburger Fans Won Halloween

Tue, 31 Oct 2017 16:56:04 -0500

Whataburger fans are the best. Just check out how they made orange and white the real colors of Halloween.

Our newest Employee of the Month. - @ChrissyCruzPhotography

And she even delivers. - @ChrissyCruzPhotography

Frenchie Fries! - @bringhamfrenchbulldog

Reppin' Whataguy. - @csierra1980

Always woofin' down your drinks. - @lyricbessa

The battle between those who love Spicy Ketchup and those who love Fancy Ketchup is just too exhausting. - @lepenguinathegreat

Whatadog and Whatapupper go together like burgers and fries. - @thefabulousak47

Texas songwriter spent four days in a borrowed boat saving lives

Tue, 12 Sep 2017 09:18:32 -0500

Texas singer-songwriter James Lann doesn’t know how many people he rescued from flooded homes in Houston and Southeast Texas.

And, for him, it’s not about numbers.

“It doesn’t matter if you did 1 or 100, you were there to help. That’s all that matters,” he says.

Lann, 39, lives about 200 miles northwest of Houston, in Blooming Grove, Texas. He spent four days ferrying people to dry land from homes swallowed by Hurricane Harvey floodwaters. Despite the physical and emotional demands of the days, Lann talked fast when he pulled off the road on his way home to share his story.

“I’m flying on Red Bull,” he says. “The adrenaline left a while back.”

With a borrowed boat in tow and a social media army behind him, Lann plowed through headlight-deep water in his Dodge pickup truck and arrived in Dickinson Sunday night and went to work.

Elderly people in wheelchairs were neck-deep in water as Lann and other rescuers in the neighborhood helped them to safety. National Guard trucks plied the streets looking for people on rooftops.

“These poor elderly people couldn’t even get outside to put something on their door much less get on the roof,” he says.

On Tuesday in Hardin, Lann helped a family with a baby that had been without formula for a couple of days. “We went and got food and baby stuff,” he says.

“First thing Wednesday, I got a call that Port Arthur was hit bad. I started hauling butt,” he says.

In Port Arthur, Lann teamed with a new friend, Beaumont boxer Quantis Graves, who was with a group of men looking for people who needed help.

Like other rescuers, they responded to social media pleas for help that poured in from concerned relatives all over the country. Lann posted his mobile phone number and urged his followers to use the Zello walkie talkie app to communicate with rescuers.

“We spent 10 to 12 hours on that boat saving people in Port Arthur,” Lann says.

On his Facebook page, Graves posted about meeting Lann and working with him.

“We were a unit, we came together as one team to complete a mission that was sent from God regardless of skin color. He and I saved people of all colors. I am honored to have met such an incredible person who would drive from Dallas, TX to Port Arthur, TX to help everyone that needed it.”

"Real Life Heroes" by James Lann