Whataburger is a regional burger chain with locations mainly in Texas and the South

Whataburger is a fast-food restaurant chain that operates primarily in Texas, with locations also in Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Wyoming. The chain is known for made-to-order burgers where you can customize patty size, toppings, and condiments. Unlike chains with fixed menu items, Whataburger lets you build your burger from a list of options rather than choosing a preset combination.

The company was founded in 1950 in Corpus Christi, Texas, and has remained a regional operation rather than expanding nationally. As of recent counts, there are several hundred locations, though the exact number changes as the chain opens and closes restaurants. Most locations are company-owned rather than franchised, which means Whataburger directly operates the restaurants rather than licensing the brand to independent owners.

Key Takeaways

  • Whataburger operates in ten states, with the largest concentration in Texas, so availability depends on your location.
  • The menu centers on customizable burgers where you choose patty size, toppings, and preparation rather than ordering preset items.
  • Many Whataburger locations are open 24 hours, though hours vary by restaurant and some locations have reduced hours.
  • You can order at the counter, through a drive-through, or via the Whataburger mobile app for pickup or delivery in some areas.
  • Pricing is comparable to other regional fast-food chains, with burger prices typically in the mid-range for the category.

How to customize your burger at Whataburger

When you order a burger, you start by choosing your patty. Whataburger offers single, double, or triple patties, and you can select from beef, chicken, or a veggie patty. You then choose your toppings from a list that includes lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, jalapeños, grilled onions, mushrooms, and others. The chain also lets you specify how you want items prepared — for example, you can request raw or grilled onions, or ask for tomatoes to be sliced thick or thin.

Condiments are another layer of customization. You can choose from mayo, mustard, ketchup, ranch dressing, chipotle sauce, and other options, and you can request them on the side or omitted entirely. You can also specify cheese type — American, cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack — or request no cheese. This level of customization means two people ordering a "burger" from Whataburger may receive very different meals depending on their choices.

Beyond burgers, Whataburger serves chicken sandwiches, salads, breakfast items (at locations open early enough), fries, and drinks. Breakfast is available at most locations during early morning hours, though the exact times vary by restaurant. Sides like onion rings and fried pickles are also on the menu at most locations.

Whataburger locations and hours of operation

Whataburger's footprint is concentrated in Texas, where the majority of locations operate. The chain also has a presence in neighboring and nearby states: Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Wyoming. If you live outside these states, Whataburger is not available in your area. Within these states, location density varies — Texas has far more restaurants than any other state, while some states have only a handful.

Many Whataburger locations advertise 24-hour service, which is one of the chain's known features. However, not all locations are open around the clock — some operate with standard fast-food hours, typically opening in the morning and closing in the evening. Hours also change seasonally or due to staffing, so checking the specific restaurant's hours before visiting is necessary. The Whataburger website and app allow you to search for nearby locations and view their current hours.

How to order from Whataburger

You can order at Whataburger in three main ways: at the counter inside the restaurant, through the drive-through window, or via the Whataburger mobile app. Counter ordering is the traditional method and allows you to speak directly with staff about customizations. The drive-through is faster if you know what you want, though customization requests can slow the line if many people are ordering ahead of you.

The Whataburger app lets you place an order for pickup at a nearby location. You can customize your items in detail through the app, pay in advance, and then pick up your order at the restaurant without waiting in line. Delivery is also available through the app in some areas, though availability depends on your location and which third-party delivery services operate in your region. Delivery times and fees vary based on distance and demand.

Pricing and menu costs

Whataburger's prices fall in the mid-range for fast-food burger chains. A single burger typically costs between $5 and $8 before tax, depending on the patty type and any add-ons. Double and triple patties cost more, usually adding $2 to $4 per additional patty. Combo meals, which include a burger, fries, and drink, typically run $2 to $3 higher than the burger alone.

Specialty items like chicken sandwiches and breakfast items are priced similarly to burgers. Sides like fries and onion rings typically cost $2 to $4. Drinks range from $2 to $3 for standard sizes. Prices vary slightly by location and change over time, so the exact cost of any item may differ from these ranges. The app and website show current pricing for your nearest location.

Whataburger's regional identity and customer base

Whataburger has a strong regional identity, particularly in Texas, where it operates as a local alternative to national chains. The brand is known among people in its service areas for customization options and 24-hour availability at many locations. This regional focus means the chain has not pursued the same national expansion strategy as competitors like McDonald's or Burger King.

The customer base includes people seeking customizable fast food, late-night diners who rely on 24-hour locations, and regional customers with loyalty to the brand. Whataburger also attracts people who prefer a regional chain over national competitors, though this preference is strongest in Texas and surrounding states where the chain has been operating for decades.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Whataburger open 24 hours?

Many Whataburger locations are open 24 hours, but not all. Hours vary by restaurant, and some locations operate with standard fast-food hours. Check the Whataburger website or app for your nearest location's specific hours before visiting late at night.

Can I order Whataburger online for delivery?

The Whataburger app offers delivery in some areas through third-party services. Delivery availability depends on your location and which delivery partners operate in your region. You can check the app to see if delivery is available at your nearest restaurant.

Does Whataburger have vegetarian options?

Yes. Whataburger offers veggie patties as a burger option, and you can also order chicken sandwiches or salads. You can customize any item to remove meat or animal products, though you should confirm with staff that your order meets your dietary needs.

What states have Whataburger locations?

Whataburger operates in Texas, Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Wyoming. Texas has the most locations by far. Use the restaurant locator on the Whataburger website to find the nearest location to you.

Can I customize my burger if I order through the app?

Yes. The Whataburger app allows you to customize burgers in detail — choosing patty size, toppings, condiments, and preparation — before you pay and place your order for pickup.