Oct. 30, 2017 -- Known for delivering fresh, made-to-order burgers and exceptional service since 1950, Whataburger is expanding into Tuscaloosa, Alabama with its first restaurant, scheduled to open spring 2018. The family-owned and operated company with more than 810 locations will begin serving the Tuscaloosa community its famous burgers made with 100 percent pure beef and fresh-cut vegetables, along with fan favorites including chicken strips, french fries, shakes and more. The new restaurant, open 24 hours per day, seven days a week, will serve Whataburger’s popular breakfast menu items from 11 p.m. to 11 a.m.

The restaurant located at Highway 359 and Skyland Boulevard is set to break ground this month and will feature Whataburger’s signature orange and white roof. The company anticipates a three- to six-month construction time frame.

The first Whataburger in Alabama opened in 1973 when a Whataburger team member from Corpus Christi relocated to bring Whataburger signature flavors to Mobile. Fast forward four decades and now the company proudly serves customers in eight cities from Foley to Birmingham. Whataburger also supports local non-profit organizations, chambers, high school athletic programs and Christmas parades throughout the state.

“There’s such an energy about this city—from its economic growth to the Crimson Tide pride,” said Whataburger Senior Vice President of Restaurant Operations Rob Rodriguez. “We knew after doing our research Tuscaloosa was a community we wanted to be part of, and we can’t wait to meet our new neighbors and welcome them to the area’s first Whataburger.”

Here’s what Whataburger’s Tuscaloosa fans are saying about Whataburger:

(Content provided directly from Whataburger’s Facebook and Twitter pages)

• “Can never go wrong with a WB, cheese, grilled onions! Need one in Tuscaloosa, AL!” – Scott M.
• “I swear if Whataburger doesn’t move to Tuscaloosa soon I’m moving” – Savannah N.
• “Craving late night @Whataburger, too bad it’s not a thing in Tuscaloosa” – Ginger
• “I would do anything to have a @Whataburger in Tuscaloosa” – Ally L.
• “Forever wishing there was a Whataburger in Tuscaloosa” – Kay

This month, Whataburger will begin hiring up to 100 employees to join the new Tuscaloosa restaurant. The company will hire for a variety of positions, ranging from team member to management level. Team members earn up to $12 per hour and receive 50 percent off food for themselves and a guest. Additionally, high achievers have the opportunity to attend Whataburger University, which offers Whataburger Family Members the opportunity to participate in a series of programs using leadership and career development curriculum. Interested candidates can find more information about open positions and benefits on the company’s website.

“At Whataburger, we place a strong emphasis on developing our employees, who we call Family Members,” said John Attra, Whataburger Director of Operations. “Whether they’re pursuing scholarships or advancing their career with us, we’re looking for people who crave more and share our passion for delivering genuine hospitality.”

The Texas-based company’s following has grown exponentially in its 66-year history, thanks to a number of factors, including its growing list of menu items; its friendly tableside service; its Fancy Ketchup that has its own Facebook fan page; and its on-screen presence in everything from “King of the Hill” to “Friday Night Lights.” Whataburger was also recently ranked fourth in Business Insider’s list of “Top 10 Fast Food Burgers in America” and voted “Best Burger in America” in Fast Company’s favorite burger chain competition.

Whataburger encourages local residents to follow its social media channels for updates about opening plans on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat, @WhataburgerLife.