Charlotte, North Carolina, September 18, 2025
News Summary
Whataburger has opened its first restaurant in Charlotte, North Carolina, with a lively inaugural event featuring giveaways and local performances. Located on Albemarle Road, the restaurant offers a modern dining experience and amenities like a double drive-thru and digital menu boards. The opening commemorates the company’s ongoing expansion in the Carolinas, alongside partnerships with local sports teams to enhance community engagement. The first 100 customers received complimentary meals, marking a memorable start for Whataburger in the Queen City.
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina – Whataburger has officially opened its first restaurant in Charlotte, North Carolina, with a launch event held today at 9 a.m. on Albemarle Road. The opening was marked by a celebratory “Whatabash” event that ran from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., featuring giveaways, a video game truck, and performances by the Rocky River High School marching band, attracting a large crowd of excited customers.
The road to opening the Charlotte location has been long, with plans for a Whataburger in the city initially emerging in 2022. Those plans originally centered around a site on South Boulevard but faced delays that pushed back the opening. In March 2024, the current location’s expansion plans received approval, although a specific opening date was not designated at that time.
Earlier, other cities in North Carolina, including Gastonia, Hickory, and Greensboro, were able to welcome Whataburger locations before Charlotte. Additionally, Indian Land, South Carolina, celebrated the opening of its own Whataburger location in August 2024.
Whataburger has been a beloved Texas fast-food chain since it was founded in 1950 and has since expanded to over 700 locations in Texas alone, with hundreds more across the United States. It should be noted that the Charlotte location is distinct from the local What-A-Burger chain, which operates in Concord, Kannapolis, and Mooresville.
In a bid to further engage the local community, Whataburger established a multi-year partnership with the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC aimed at enhancing community involvement and improving game day experiences for fans. As a part of this initiative, free patty melts and drinks will be offered at the Whataburger food truck during the Panthers’ game against the Atlanta Falcons on September 21 at Bank of America Stadium.
The new restaurant features modern amenities, including a double drive-thru, a spacious dining area, digital menu boards, and a custom interior mural that celebrates the culture of Queen City. To entice the opening day customers, the first 100 patrons received a complimentary Whataburger swag bag along with a choice between a Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit or Breakfast Taquito.
Whataburger’s growth in the Carolinas underscores its strong commitment to expansion, with plans for additional restaurant openings in the region and partnerships with local organizations. Over the past two years, Whataburger has successfully launched more than a dozen new restaurants in both North and South Carolina.
Key Features of Whataburger’s First Location in Charlotte
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Opening Time | 9 a.m. on Albemarle Road |
| Whatabash Event | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with giveaways, performances |
| Community Partnership | Multi-year partnership with Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC |
| Menu Highlights | Free Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit or Breakfast Taquito for first 100 customers |
| Restaurant Features | Double drive-thru, spacious dining area, digital menu boards, custom mural |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Whataburger’s first location in Charlotte, North Carolina?
The first Whataburger restaurant in Charlotte is located on Albemarle Road.
What time did Whataburger open?
Whataburger opened at 9 a.m. on the opening day.
What special event did Whataburger host on its opening day?
Whataburger hosted a “Whatabash” event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. featuring giveaways and performances.
What were the first 100 customers given?
The first 100 customers received a free Whataburger swag bag and a choice between a Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit or Breakfast Taquito.
How many locations has Whataburger opened in the Carolinas?
Whataburger has opened over a dozen new restaurants in North and South Carolina in the last two years.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- WCNC
- Wikipedia: Whataburger
- WCCB Charlotte
- Google Search: Whataburger Charlotte debut
- Carolina Panthers
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fast Food
- QC News
- Google News: Whataburger expansion North Carolina
Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
