Introduction

Founded in 1950 by Harmon Dobson, Whataburger has evolved from a single Texas burger stand into a beloved regional fast-food chain. Recognized for its orange-and-white A-frame buildings and customizable burgers, the brand now spans 16 states, primarily across the southern United States. As of 2025, Whataburger’s growing footprint reflects regional dominance and national expansion ambitions. 

Methodology

The data collection involved real-time web scraping of Whataburger’s official website (whataburger.com) and relevant third-party platforms such as whataburgermenuprices.com and xmap.ai. 

Data Analysis

Number of Restaurants

Whataburger’s footprint in 2025 reflects a strategic focus on southern states, with Texas dominating the distribution due to its historical roots and customer loyalty. The 1,109 locations reported by ScrapeHero align closely with xmap.ai’s estimate of 1,112, suggesting a minor discrepancy possibly due to recent openings or temporary closures, backed by reliable Food Delivery Data Scraping Services.

The chain’s expansion into Florida, Oklahoma, and Arizona indicates a deliberate strategy to target high-traffic areas near highways, universities, and suburban centers, supported by insights derived through the Restaurant Data Scraping Services.

State-wise Distribution

The following table summarizes the distribution of Whataburger restaurants across the US as of January 2025:

*Other States include Colorado, Georgia, Missouri, Tennessee (1 each), and additional locations in Kansas, South Carolina, and others.

Menu Analysis

Real-time scraping of Whataburger’s menu reveals a diverse range of offerings, from classic burgers to breakfast items and limited-time specials. The menu is designed for customization, with over 36,864 topping combinations, catering to varied customer preferences. The following table highlights prices for key menu items in May 2025:

Operational Insights

Whataburger’s operational model emphasizes freshness, with all items made to order, contributing to its reputation for quality. The chain’s 24/7 drive-thru availability at most locations and app-based ordering options enhance accessibility. The introduction of limited-time items like the Monterey Melt and Whatawings in 2025 reflects a strategy to keep the menu dynamic and attract repeat customers. The chain’s focus on community engagement, such as the Whataburger Feeding Student Success program, further strengthens its brand loyalty, with over $6.5 million donated to support education since 2020.

Observations

• Regional Dominance: Texas’s 761 locations underscore Whataburger’s deep cultural ties to the state, where it enjoys a restaurant-to-population ratio of one per 38,102 people. In contrast, Florida’s ratio is one per 477,289, indicating significant growth potential in newer markets.
• Menu Pricing Strategy: Prices remain competitive, with burgers ranging from $5.14 (Whataburger Jr.) to $9.44 (Triple Meat Whataburger). Limited-time items like Whatawings and the Mexican Hot Chocolate Shake drive customer interest without significantly increasing average meal costs.
• Expansion Strategy: The chain’s focus on high-traffic areas and franchise-driven growth has fueled its expansion, with 126 franchised locations as of 2019. The addition of 52 stores in 2024 suggests an aggressive yet sustainable growth trajectory.
• Customer Engagement: The Whataburger App and social media campaigns, such as the 75th-anniversary WhataVault promotions, have boosted customer interaction. The app’s rewards program and exclusive deals are critical for retaining younger demographics.
• Market Saturation Risks: Texas’s high concentration of locations raises concerns about potential market saturation. Future growth will likely prioritize Midwest and East Coast markets to diversify the footprint.

Strategic Implications

For investors, Whataburger’s consistent growth, with over $4 billion in annual revenue and a projected 1,200 locations by 2026, presents a lucrative opportunity. Franchisees can target emerging markets like Colorado and Tennessee, where single locations indicate low competition. 

Conclusion

Whataburger’s 1,109 restaurants in 2025 reflect its robust growth and strategic focus on southern states, with Texas as its stronghold. Real-time Whataburger Restaurant App Datasets provides valuable insights into its operational model, pricing strategy, and expansion plans.