Whataburger - The Rise and Fall...And Rise Again

Most viewers may not be familiar with Whataburger because they are found exclusively in the south, mostly in Texas. They have a relatively small, but loyal customer base, with big plans to expand. In this video, I talk about how they've grown in Texas while highlighting some of their successes and struggles over the years.

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Company Declines:
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[Iloveallpenguins]

One thing I want to mention is King of the Hill. So many of my northern friends who came to visit me in Texas, wanted Whataburger because of that show.

[bert]

I've been working at my local Whataburger for about 7 years now, and I still love our food. I've got a good team of people and a clean store to work in. I understand that a fast food job isn't glamorous, but I still have pride in the work I do there.

[diablo]

I've worked at a Whataburger in New Mexico a little bit over a year at this point and I'd say they've been a great company to work for. It's a fairly good working environment as far as fast food places go. Also their patty melt is absolutely incredible, if you haven't had it before try it.

[CarlosGarcia-kehg]

After a car crash (non fatal), Whataburger staff gave us a hefty meal at no extra charge. Some acts of kindness can never be forgotten.

[robertreynolds]

Being a college student in Texas & having Whataburger open 24/7 was such a luxury.

[ericmeans]

Native Texan here. Grew up on those hamburgers, so did my two brothers. Big part of our lives. When I had to move to Nashville, TN back in 2012, whenever I drove home to see family, no matter the time of day it was, the first stop was always Whataburger. Now, I even have converted my wife to them. Fun fact, there is a tradition about the markers that they use. It is considered that you are a true fan, if you steal them. :)

[stephanierando]

Okay, you mentioned them in this video. Now you gotta do HEB. For all of its regionalism, it is still one of the best grocery chains in the US, hands down.

[Gaming_Network]

Asking if we’ve ever been to Whataburger is so surreal to me. That is probably the restaurant I’ve gone to most in my life. Back in high school, after literally every football game, win or lose, we’d head out to Whataburger.

[frankrobinson]

I'm a lifelong Californian, when I was five there was a Whataburger in my So. Cal. hometown. As I recall that particular restaurant closed sometime after.

[jeronimogarcia]

As a current Whataburger employee, I will say that our customers are very loyal indeed, we usually get the same people come in every day for breakfast and lunchtime, and they usually order the same thing everyday, with some of them expecting the cashier to already know what they want to eat without them having to even say anything.

[Ou_phrontis]

Whataburger was my overtime comfort food. Coming out of a 16 hour shift at midnight, stopping at the Whataburger for a big burger, fries, and spicy ketchup…the best way to unwind.

[edsoliz]

One thing that (understandably) wasn't mentioned was their breakfast, which features some unique items like the Breakfast on a Bun and Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit. I remember reading a while back that they will never discount the Whataburger.

[DeliciousHotShmoze]

I visited a friend in Texas earlier this year and had Whata for the first time. The food tasted great, but what I really noticed was that they’re one of if not the only burger place to actually figure out that if you want bigger burgers, make them wider, not taller.

[matthewfranke]

As a Corpus native, when you go to the two story location in downtown, if it’s not too hot, you MUST eat your food out on the upstairs patio! You get views of Corpus Christi Bay and all the boats out on the water.

Also, Company Man forgot to mention this, but in 2005, Corpus Christi got a new minor league ballpark and named it Whataburger Field, home of the Corpus Christi Hooks, and yes you can get a Whataburger while watching a baseball game at the ballpark! Truly an experience you can’t get anywhere else!

[flores]

If they expand I’m afraid the quality control will go down.
When I have a Whataburger I know that it’s gonna taste exactly the same I know exactly what I’m getting there’s no difference between one restaurant to the other And the quality of meat and ingredients, keeps me coming back. that’s what I expect out of a Whataburger.❤

[Hrafnskald]

As a Texan, they have done well by embracing southern and Texan cooking, not just the standard McDonalds fare. They stay open 24/7, which is handy when you need a late night snack. My favorite is their chicken strips and toast with dipping white gravy. And yes, there was a big backlash when they moved the headquarters to Chicago, because Whataburger is so tied to Texas culture. I have friends originally from Texas who live out of state, who make a big point of visiting a location first thing after landing when they come back to Texas to visit.

[LlamaBobby]

The numbered table tents for ordering are so iconic, I think every Texan has a few in their homes. In fact a few years ago, Houston PD put out a memo for officers to stop using them as evidence markers at crime scenes 🤣

[lonewolfe]

As someone who used to regularly go to Whataburger this 2019 thing where they got bought out by a bigger company I can tell you for a fact that the the quality of food served at Whataburger is nothing close to what it used to be and it really happened that quickly

[scottkrametbauer]

I was still a kid when I left Texas and didn't know the difference between a good burger and a bad one. After nearly 20 years I came home and finally tried Whataburger again and realized they are one of the best burger places. If I want a burger, especially late at night, this is where I go.

[ComicDrake]

As a Texan, we have to eat Whataburger at least once every other week.