Inside Whataburger's Corporate Office: A Deep Dive Into The Heart Of The Iconic Burger Chain

A Deep Dive into the Heart of the Iconic Burger Chain

Whataburger, the iconic Texas-based fast-food chain, has captured the hearts (and stomachs) of burger lovers for over seven decades. Known for its commitment to fresh ingredients, made-to-order burgers, and a strong sense of community, Whataburger's success extends beyond its delicious menu.

At the heart of this success lies its corporate office, the strategic hub where key decisions are made and the brand's vision is brought to life.

A Brief History of Whataburger

Founded in 1950 by Harmon Dobson and Paul Burton in Corpus Christi, Texas, Whataburger began with a simple goal: to serve a burger so big and delicious that customers would exclaim, “What a burger!”. Dobson achieved this by using a five-inch bun and a quarter-pound beef patty.

The first Whataburger sold for 25 cents and included fresh lettuce, three slices of tomato, four dill pickles, chopped onions, ketchup, and mustard. Whataburger quickly gained popularity, expanding throughout Texas and beyond.

In 2009, Whataburger moved its headquarters from Corpus Christi to San Antonio, Texas. This move marked a new chapter for the company, providing a centralized location to support its growing operations. Until 2019, Whataburger was family-owned by the Dobsons. In June 2019, the Dobson family sold the majority stake to BDT Capital Partners, a Chicago-based investment firm.

The family cited long-term expansion plans as a reason for the sale. However, the Dobson family still holds a small stake in the company.

Location and Contact Information

The Whataburger corporate office is located in San Antonio, Texas:

• Address: 300 Concord Plaza Dr, San Antonio, TX 78216, United States
• Phone: (210) 476-6000

Leadership and Operations

The Whataburger executive team is led by CEO Debbie Stroud, who stepped into the role on January 1, 2025, succeeding Ed Nelson. Stroud previously served as EVP and Chief Operating Officer. Nelson retired at the end of 2024 after serving as CEO since 2020.

Other key executives include:

• Elena Kraus, EVP & Chief Legal Officer
• Rich Scheffler, EVP & Chief Marketing Officer
• James Turcotte, EVP & Chief Development Officer
• Janelle Sykes, EVP & Chief Financial Officer
• Peggy Rubenzer, SVP & Chief People Officer
• Alexander Ivannikov, EVP & Chief Administrative Officer
• Joe Shannon, SVP & Chief Information Officer
• Todd Ewen, Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer

The corporate office oversees various departments, including:

• Marketing
• Real Estate
• Business Development
• Franchising
• Strategy
• Innovation
• Supply Chain
• Corporate Services
• Food Safety & Quality Assurance
• Human Resources

Whataburger's Mission and Values

Whataburger's mission is to deliver hot, fresh, delicious burgers made to order, providing customers with a convenient and family-friendly experience. The company's vision is to be a standout leader in the fast-food burger industry while staying true to its family-owned roots.

Whataburger's guiding principles include:

• Sharing its culture and prosperity with the communities it serves
• Being modest, unassuming, and straightforward
• Making decisions out of respect for both the business and its people
• Seeking the best way over the easy way
• Knowing and participating in the business
• Continually improving themselves and others

Community Involvement

Whataburger is committed to giving back to the communities it serves. Through its signature community program, Feeding Student Success, Whataburger focuses on charitable giving at the intersection of food insecurity and education.

Since launching the program in 2020, Whataburger has given millions to support communities and students in need. These initiatives include college resource rooms, scholarships, and community philanthropy.

Whataburger also partners with organizations like Communities In Schools (CIS) to support students nationwide. In 2023, Whataburger made a landmark $100,000 donation to CIS, marking the largest single contribution ever made to CIS by the fast-food brand.

Franchise Information

Whataburger does offer franchise opportunities, but most of its locations are company-owned. Franchisees must meet stringent requirements:

• High net worth and significant liquid assets (at least $1.5 million net worth and $500,000 in liquid capital)
• Commitment to opening multiple locations (e.g., five locations within five years)
• Experience in the restaurant or franchise industry

The initial franchise fee ranges from $40,000 to $50,000 per location. The total investment required to open a Whataburger franchise typically falls between $1.2 million and $3 million.

Whataburger Today

Today, Whataburger operates over 1000 locations across several states. While the company has evolved since its humble beginnings, its commitment to quality, customer service, and community remains unchanged. The corporate office continues to guide the brand's growth and uphold the values that have made Whataburger a beloved institution.

Conclusion

The Whataburger corporate office serves as the strategic center for this iconic fast-food chain, driving its mission, values, and community initiatives. From its humble beginnings in Corpus Christi to its current presence across the Southern United States, Whataburger's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has made it a beloved brand.

The leadership and dedicated teams at the corporate office continue to steer Whataburger towards a future of growth and success, while staying true to its Texas roots.