Patrick Mahomes’ favorite burger and a Missouri chain make national fast food ranking
Patrick Mahomes hasn’t lost much since becoming the Chiefs’ starter, but in a new national ranking, his beloved burger joint took a hit and fell short of the top spot.
In USA Today’s “10 best regional fast food restaurants” list, Whataburger cracked the list at No. 9. The list reviewed nominees submitted by a panel of experts, and USA Today editors narrowed the field to 10, where readers voted on the restaurant that should earn top honors.
Finishing ahead of Whataburger at No. 5 was Lion’s Choice, a Missouri-based chain known for its roast beef sandwich.
USA Today said this about Whataburger, a Texas restaurant that has expanded dramatically in the Kansas City area with more than 15 locations since 2021:
“A trip to Texas wouldn’t be complete without a late-night trip through the Whataburger drive-thru. This quick-service concept, now operating in 16 states, has earned a loyal following for its patty melts, saucy burgers and breakfast taquitos (available throughout the night).”
Mahomes, a Texas native, is part-owner of KMO Burger, a franchisee that plans to eventually add 30 Whataburger locations in the Kansas City region.
“I love Kansas City and I love Whataburger,” Mahomes said in a statement in 2021. “I’m excited to help bring a gift from my first home to my second home.”
The most recent Whataburger added in the area is at 1705 N. Missouri 291 in Harrisonville. This restaurant is owned by the corporation, not KMO Burger.
The other restaurant on the list with Kansas City ties, Lion’s Choice, ranked fifth. The chain began in St. Louis was established in 1967 and has been “particularly popular” in Missouri, USA Today said in its review.
“Guests can snag hot dogs, Italian beef, and chili, but the venue is best known for their hearty roast beef sandwiches, a menu item that’s been offered from the very beginning,” the list said.
There’s only one Lion’s Choice remaining in the Kansas City area, 129 S. Stewart Road in Liberty.
Skyline Chili, a Cincinnati-based chili restaurant, was named the best regional fast food restaurant in the United States. Other restaurants that made the list are Biscuitville in North Carolina and South Carolina, Dick’s Drive-In in the Seattle area and Z-Burger in Washington, D.C.
