Whataburger launched its WhataGames competition just two short weeks ago, offering its employees, known as Family Members, an opportunity to win substantial cash and prizes. A brand tradition for almost 30 years, the company created the competition to highlight the skills of its Operating Partners and their teams as they showcase operational excellence while running a restaurant.

With more than 1,030 Whataburger restaurants across 16 states, competition to be named the best of the best is fierce. Past competitions have crowned gold, silver and bronze-medal winners. This year, more prizes than ever are up for grabs. Instead of only three winners, the top 10 percent of restaurants will earn significant cash prizes for every Family Member, totaling more than $1 million. 

“It’s WhataGames season! As we gear up for another competition, I feel the same rush of excitement and anticipation as a head coach leading their team into a big game,” Whataburger President and CEO Ed Nelson said. “Every participating Family Member and restaurant across our footprint has trained with the focus and dedication of elite athletes, embodying Whataburger’s spirit of excellence. WhataGames celebrates our commitment to quality, service, and community. Teams aren’t just playing for the gold — we are playing to win the hearts and minds of every Guest who enters our restaurants and orders our food. We hope our Guests feel the amazing hospitality this competition can bring to their Whataburger experience. Let the Games begin!”

Teams will compete on brand standards, including speed of service, Guest satisfaction and order accuracy all summer. After 10 weeks of thrilling competition, the winners will be announced in September at regional rallies. 

“Since I’ve joined Whataburger, I’ve witnessed firsthand the dedication our Family Members have to deliver the best possible experience to our Guests,” Chief Operating Officer Debbie Stroud said. “The WhataGames are a testament to the power of rigorous training and teamwork. This friendly competition sharpens the skills of our Family Members and builds enduring camaraderie within our restaurants. The results speak for themselves — better service, stronger team bonds, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. The WhataGames are a cornerstone of our operational excellence, pushing us to be the best in the industry.”

“As we kick off WhataGames this year, the company recognizes that this isn’t just a game. It’s the big league of innovation and collaboration. For many of our franchise partners, it’s their rookie year, and they’re stepping into this competition with the energy of a first-round draft pick,” Chief Administrative Officer Alex Ivannikov said. “Our franchisees are bringing world-class talent to the games, and they’re focused on creating unforgettable experiences for our Guests.”