Whataburger
Interested in selling your Whataburger NNN property or Whataburger ground lease property and wondering what you can get for it in today’s changing market?
Contact us for a complimentary broker opinion of value for your off-market Whataburger NNN property for sale or Whataburger ground lease property for investment, specifically tailored to support your 1031 exchange requirements. This valuable assessment will provide you with the clarity needed to make informed decisions regarding the sale of your Whataburger NNN property or the inclusion of a Whataburger ground lease property in your investment portfolio. As specialists in working with 1031 exchange buyers seeking off-market Whataburger, we are dedicated to delivering competitive offers with reduced fees to help you maximize your investment returns.
Number of locations
As of 2025, Whataburger operates over 1,050 restaurants across 15+ U.S. states, including Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, Arkansas, and the Carolinas.
The chain continues rapid growth with new freestanding drive-thru formats and expansion into new southeastern and midwestern markets.
Revenue and income
Whataburger is a privately held company and does not publicly release full annual financials.
However:
In 2023, Whataburger generated an estimated $3.8–$4.5 billion in systemwide sales (industry analyst data).
Average unit volume (AUV) for Whataburger is among the stronger performers in the regional QSR burger category, with drive-thru-heavy locations producing high traffic.
Stores in Texas and the Southeast frequently report above-chain-average sales due to strong brand loyalty.
Future plans
Big growth initiatives
Whataburger is undergoing one of the largest expansions in its history following majority investment by BDT Capital Partners in 2019. Major initiatives include:
1. Strong U.S. expansion
Whataburger continues opening dozens of locations per year, expanding deeper into:
The Southeast (Georgia, Tennessee, the Carolinas, Alabama, Florida)
The Midwest (Kansas, Missouri, Colorado)
High-growth suburban markets around major interstates and commuter corridors
2. New store formats
The brand is introducing:
Double- and triple-lane high-capacity drive-thrus
Digital-order pickup lanes
Smaller-footprint urban walk-up stores
24-hour model locations
Drive-thru–only prototypes focused on speed and volume
These formats enhance throughput and support strong site sales performance.
3. Technology & supply chain upgrades
Whataburger is investing in:
Advanced kitchen systems
Mobile ordering enhancements
Digital menu boards
Loyalty program growth through the Whataburger Rewards app
High-capacity drive-thru technology
These upgrades improve unit economics and customer experience.
4. Employee and operational investments
The company continues to increase wages, training programs, and operational improvements to support service consistency across new markets.
Corporate vs. franchise
Whataburger historically operated mostly company-owned restaurants, but recent expansion has created a more balanced structure.
Today, Whataburger operates under a mix of corporate-owned and franchised stores.
Corporate retains significant ownership in Texas and core markets.
Franchised operators handle expansion in newer states and emerging markets.
Whataburger remains privately owned, with the Whataburger family still involved and BDT Capital Partners holding majority investment.
Additional information about Whataburger properties
Whataburger was founded in 1950 in Corpus Christi, Texas by Harmon Dobson and Paul Burton.
The iconic orange-and-white A-frame design is one of the most recognized restaurant styles in the southern U.S.
The brand is known for large made-to-order burgers, 24-hour operations, digital customization, and extremely high drive-thru volumes.
Headquarters: San Antonio, Texas.
Whataburger has one of the highest regional customer loyalty scores in the QSR sector.
Whataburger History
Whataburger began in 1950 when Harmon Dobson set out to create a burger so large and flavorful that customers would exclaim, “What a burger!”
The first location opened in Corpus Christi, featuring the now-signature five-inch burger and hand-built orders.
Throughout the 1960s–1980s, Whataburger expanded across Texas, building its famous A-frame orange roof design and 24-hour service model.
By the early 2000s, the brand had become an essential Texas cultural icon and expanded into the wider Southwest and Southeast.
Following a strategic investment partnership in 2019, Whataburger began accelerating its national expansion with brand redesigns, new prototypes, digital innovation, and entry into multiple new states.
Today, with more than 1,050+ locations, Whataburger continues to grow rapidly while maintaining strong regional loyalty and modern operational capabilities.
Why Invest in Ground Lease and NNN Lease of Whataburger?
Investing in Whataburger ground lease and triple-net (NNN) properties offers compelling benefits:
1) Whataburger NNN Property Investment: Stable income
Whataburger is a high-performing regional powerhouse with strong unit economics.
NNN and ground leases backed by Whataburger provide:
Consistent rental income
Long-term stability
Reliable tenant performance
2) Whataburger NNN Property Investment: Established tenant
Whataburger has one of the most loyal customer bases in the U.S., particularly in Texas and fast-growing southeastern markets.
Brand strength and high drive-thru demand reduce:
Vacancy risk
Credit concerns
Turnover risk
3) Whataburger NNN Property Investment: Low management responsibility
Whataburger ground lease and NNN structures typically require the tenant to handle:
Taxes
Insurance
Maintenance
Operating expenses
This makes the investment hands-off and passive, ideal for 1031 exchange buyers.
4) Whataburger NNN Property Investment: Favorable lease terms
Typical Whataburger leases include:
15–20+ year primary terms
Rent escalations every 5 years
High-quality corporate or franchise guarantees
This supports long-term, predictable income growth.
5) Whataburger NNN Property Investment: Real estate value
Whataburger selects sites in:
High-traffic corridors
Interstate exits
Growing suburbs
Premium retail corners
These locations often achieve strong sales volumes, increasing long-term real estate value and investor demand.
Pros and Cons of Whataburger Ground Lease and NNN Lease Investment
Pros:
Stable, predictable income from a highly successful QSR brand
Strong sales performance and customer loyalty
Extremely passive management structure (NNN / ground lease)
Long-term leases with built-in rent escalations
High-quality sites with strong real-estate fundamentals
Cons:
Lease renewal risk after the initial 15–20-year term
Performance varies more outside Texas core markets
Limited landlord control due to strict corporate design standards
Capital-intensive QSR competition influences market performance
Market fluctuations can affect property appreciation
Thorough due diligence and careful evaluation of location quality, lease structure, tenant strength, and long-term investment strategy are essential when considering a Whataburger NNN or ground lease property. Consult experienced real estate professionals and financial advisors to ensure the investment aligns with your portfolio goals, risk tolerance, and 1031 exchange requirements.
MarketWatch: Whataburger
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