‘These 4 are just the beginning’: Whataburger confirms plans for big KC area rollout

Just a few months ago, all Whataburger officials would say is they were opening at least one restaurant in the Kansas City area in 2021. On Wednesday, they unveiled the full plan: four locations, all opening this year. With more to come.

The beloved Texas-based chain has been going through city planning departments in Blue Springs, Independence, Lee’s Summit and Overland Park. It has now confirmed those locations, with the first one scheduled to open this fall.

“The exciting thing is, these four are just the beginning,” Whataburger executive vice president and chief operating officer Rob Rodriguez told The Star. “We are very much looking forward to growing our relationship with Kansas City.”

Back in 2018, the chain offered to send Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes some of his favorite ketchup and a T-shirt. He tweeted back, “I just want a store in Kansas City!”

As for Mahomes’ influence on Whataburger entering the market, Rodriguez said the Texas native’s plea for a Kansas City location was “pretty exciting, no doubt about it,” but he said the company has been looking at expanding to Kansas City for “some time.”

“We know we will be throughout the metro area,” Rodriguez said.

Founded in 1950, Whataburger now has more than 840 locations across 10 states, operating 24/7, 364 days a year (it is closed on Christmas).

Whataburger is known for its fresh never-frozen beef burgers — available around-the-clock. Its breakfast menu, which is served from 11 p.m. to 11 a.m., features such fan-favorites as honey butter chicken biscuits and “Breakfast on a Bun” with an egg, choice of bacon or pork sausage, and a slice of American cheese served on a toasted bun. It also is known for its ketchup — fancy or spicy.

“One of the key things about Whataburger is ‘big flavor,’” Rodriguez said. “One of the things we focus on is having fresh quality food that’s made for you, just like you like it. If you like your burger cut in half or if you want the bun toasted on both sides or if you want grilled jalapenos with that, then we make it just like you like it. Personalization is very important to us.”

As The Star reported last week, these are the first four area locations:

▪ Blue Springs: 905 N.W. Missouri 7, on the site of a former Winstead’s. The city is working through issues on road improvements with the current property owner, who prefers to lease to the new tenant. The property is for sale for $1.5 million.

▪ Independence: 18811 E. U.S. 40, on the site of a former bank building. (Whataburger will later receive a new address of 18902 E. U.S. 40 highway.)

▪ Lee’s Summit: This site was the first local confirmation that Whataburger was coming to the area. The city has approved part of Whataburger’s final development plan at 1450 N.E. Douglas St. (the city plans to change the address to 1460 N.E. Douglas once plans are further along), near Saint Luke’s East Hospital.

▪ Overland Park: Plans have been approved for 8420 W. 135th St., site of a former Salty Iguana Mexican Restaurant. Whataburger wants to demolish the building and put up a new 3,751-square-foot red-brick building.

The four restaurants will have double drive-thru lanes, along with dine-in, curbside pickup and delivery.

Rodriguez said he expects the Independence restaurant to open first, followed by Lee’s Summit — all depending on any construction delays.

Whataburger plans to reveal its 2022 plans for the metro later this year.

Several sources say the chain also wants to open at 95Metcalf, at the southeast corner of 95th Street and Metcalf Avenue, in Overland Park. Another possibility is in the Barry Road/Interstate 29 area.

Rodriguez would not confirm those locations. But he said the company plans to open “throughout Kansas City” and will look for areas with families, schools and universities where they can be close to potential employees, along with a strong customer base.

But he was happy to give details that might draw people to come work there. The restaurants typically have about 70 employees, five managers and weekly sales of $80,000. But some locations can have as many as 120 employees, full time and part time. They are called “family members” and are the “heart and soul of our brand,” said Rodriguez, who joined the company more than 15 years ago.

He said operating partners earn an average of six figures or more, including bonuses of up to 150% of their target incentive. Managers have the potential to earn over $55,000 a year (based on both market and performance). For more information, visit whataburger.com/careers.