Thursday, October 1, 2026
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Gastonia, NC (WNN)- Whataburger, the well-known Texas-based burger chain, officially opened its first North Carolina restaurant on May 29, 2025, at 3415 E. Franklin Blvd. in Gastonia. This opening marks a significant step for the company as it expands into its 17th state. Fans of the orange-and-white-striped restaurant formed long lines, with some traveling great distances to enjoy their favorite burgers.
Debbie Stroud, CEO of Whataburger, attended the grand opening and expressed her excitement. "This restaurant is incredibly special because it's the very first one in our 17th state," Stroud said. " Whenever you open up the very first one in a state, we usually get a lot of love from fans that are both loyal to Whataburger as well as people that want to come out and try it for the first time. So that's what makes it incredibly special."
Stroud highlighted Whataburger's dedication to preserving its Texas heritage while expanding across the country. "Our roots are bold flavors, taking care of our family members, and certainly being a part of a community," she explained. "The roots and the legacy are all about being a gathering place where people come to meet and enjoy great craveable food while making connections. And we find that's pretty much what a lot of communities love. So if we can serve you great food and give you a place to connect, then it's transferable for sure."
Stroud says Whataburger sets itself apart in several ways. The chain takes pride in its "fresh, never frozen beef" that is "made to order," meaning they don't cook burgers until a customer orders one. Other standout features include unique sauces, top-notch hospitality with table service, round-the-clock operation, and breakfast served from 11 p.m. to 11 a.m.
"You can customize it just how you want it," Stroud added. Beyond the food, Stroud hopes people across the country will know Whataburger for its aim to provide "goodness 24/7." This includes being great neighbors, offering solid jobs and growth opportunities for staff, while always serving tasty food that makes people crave items such as the Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit or a Patty Melt.
Among the many excited customers present on opening day was Sarah Howell, a Texas native now living about 45 minutes from Gastonia. "I grew up in Texas, and as soon as they announced the date, I knew I had to be here," Howell said.
She stated the experience lived up to her expectations, saying, "Yeah, definitely. It tastes like home." Howell encourages newcomers to visit. "Come, try it. It's open 24 hours, so you can come all day."
The world's first Whataburger opened on August 8th, 1950, as a one-man burger stand in Corpus Christi. Texas. Harmon Dobson was the man behind the burger stand, wanting to make burgers so good that people would take one bite and think, "What a burger!" He succeeded and turned that burger stand into a legendary company that is loved throughout Texas and the South.
These days, each Whataburger is prepared as soon as it is ordered. Additionally, they are still made with 100% pure, never-frozen beef and come with all the "extras" you want on a large, toasted five-inch bun. Your Whataburger can be made just the way you like it, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Gastonia's opening is just the beginning of what is to come for Whataburger's expansion in North Carolina. The company has plans to open 9 more restaurants in the state throughout 2025. Future locations expected to open this year include:
Now that the doors have officially opened, Whataburger is making its mark in North Carolina. This Gastonia location represents more than just a new restaurant; it's the start of Whataburger's efforts to expand as a community favorite across the state.
With more locations planned to open through 2025, the company cannot wait to serve its tasty blend of quality, hospitality, and customizable favorites to a new state, bringing a taste of Texas to new neighborhoods.
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