Whataburger grants fans’ wish with a Kansas City location as 5 more are in the works

Since the first area Whataburger was confirmed for the suburbs more than a year ago, Kansas City fans have been clamoring for a location of their own.

Now one is in the works.

On Monday, Whataburger officials confirmed a location for Metro North Crossing, at Barry Road and U.S. 169 in the Northland, but didn’t provide any other details.

But Metro North Crossing officials said they are in final negotiations for a freestanding Whataburger restaurant with drive-thru that would open on the site of the former Firestone building in spring 2022.

“We’re obviously very excited. It’s just a fabulous concept,” said David Horn, project manager for Metro North Crossing.

Back in 2018, Whataburger 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!”

But Whataburger was already scouting the market.

The first four area locations will open this year with at least one opening this fall:

Blue Springs: 905 N.W. Missouri 7, on the site of a former Winstead’s.

Independence: 18902 E. U.S. 40 highway.

Lee’s Summit: 1460 N.E. Douglas St., near Saint Luke’s East Hospital.

Overland Park: 8420 W. 135th St., site of a former Salty Iguana Mexican Restaurant. It also is going through planning for a location in 95Metcalf South.

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

Whataburger executive vice president and chief operating officer Rob Rodriguez previously said the suburban locations were just the beginning for Kansas City.

Founded in 1950, Whataburger now has more than 850 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.

Hawaiian Bros Island Grill also plans to open a location in Metro North Crossing, just to the west of the proposed Whataburger site on Barry Road.

The development will have 249 apartment units, including 36 two-story townhomes above 30,000-square-feet of retail.

T-Shotz, a locally-owned golf entertainment complex, opened in October.