Whataburger is a burger chain that was founded in 1950 by Harmon Dobson. Dobson opened the first Whataburger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas, which was an instant success. The burgers were so big that customers had to hold the buns with two hands, and this unique concept helped to make Whataburger a household name.
In other articles related to Whataburger, you can learn Whether Whataburger takes Apple Pay, What States Have Whataburger, what it is, what it is a Whataburger Franchise, What Age Whataburger Hires, and Whataburger’s lunch and breakfast hours.
Dobson married Grace Williamson in 1955, and the couple raised three children together: Hugh, Lynne, and Tom. By the end of the 1950s, Dobson had opened 21 Whataburger restaurants in Florida. In 1961, he sold the business to his eldest son, Hugh.
Hugh Dobson continued to expand the business; by the 1970s, more than 200 Whataburger restaurants were scattered across Texas and other southern states. In 1978, Dobson sold the company to William Horton Jr. but remained on as a consultant. Under Horton’s leadership, Whataburger continued to grow in popularity, and today, there are over 800 Whataburger locations in the United States.
Whataburger is a beloved burger chain that has been serving up delicious burgers for over 60 years. Whether you’re from Texas or another part of the country, there’s no doubt that Whataburger is a national treasure.
Is Whataburger a Franchise?
Yes, Whataburger is a franchise. The company operates franchises in Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, and Georgia.
The company began franchising in 1984 but has been closed to new franchisees for the past twenty years. That changed on July 11, 2018, when it announced that it was once again open to new franchisees.
So, is Whataburger a franchise? The answer is yes. Whataburger is a franchisor that offers franchises to qualified applicants. To become a Whataburger franchisee, you must have $5,000,000 in liquid assets and a net worth of $12.5 million. The estimated investment investment to open a traditional Whataburger restaurant is $1,200,000.
| Fees / Expenses | Financial Amount |
| Liquid Capital you need | $5,000,000 |
| Net Worth you need | $12.5 investment |
| Investment you need | $1,200,000 (unofficial) |
| Franchise Fee | Not disclosed |
How much does it cost to open a Whataburger franchise?
You will be required $1,200,000 to open a Whataburger Franchise. In addition, Whataburger requires franchisees to commit to opening at least five locations in five years.
Whataburger may be the perfect option if you’re looking for a burger franchise with a cult following. The Texas-based chain is known for its oversized burgers, spicy jalapeño sauce, and exceptional customer service.
But before becoming a Whataburger franchisee, you’ll need deep pockets. The initial franchise fee is $1,200,000, and you’ll also need to commit to opening at least five locations in five years.
That may seem like a lot of money, but Whataburger is worth it. The company has grown impressive in recent years, and its loyal fans are always eager to try out the latest menu items. So, if you’re looking to join one of the country’s most famous burger chains, Whataburger is worth considering.
After leaving Wells Fargo Bank in 2014, Daniel began a career as a finance consultant, advising companies and individuals on economic policy, labor relations, and financial management.
At Nimblefreelancer.com, Daniel writes about personal finance topics, value estimation, budgeting strategies, retirement planning, and portfolio diversification.
Read more on Daniel Smith's biography page.
Contact Daniel: daniel@nimblefreelancer.com