Charlotte, NC, September 21, 2025
News Summary
Charlotte, North Carolina, has welcomed its first Whataburger location, significantly expanding the popular fast food chain’s presence in the region. Located on Albemarle Road, the new restaurant features a double drive-thru and a spacious dining area, enhancing customer experience. To celebrate the opening, Whataburger is hosting a grand event with festivities and giveaways, including free food for the first 100 customers. The restaurant operates 24 hours and aims to cater to the local community with its famous menu offerings.
Charlotte Welcomes Its First Whataburger
Charlotte, North Carolina, celebrated the opening of its first Whataburger location on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 9 a.m. The new fast food restaurant is situated on Albemarle Road near Rocky River Road, marking a significant milestone for both the company and local residents. While this is the first Whataburger within the city limits of Charlotte, the chain has been expanding its presence in North Carolina with other locations in Gastonia, Hickory, and Greensboro opened earlier in 2025.
The Charlotte Whataburger features a double drive-thru, a spacious dining room, and modern digital menu boards, showcasing the franchise’s commitment to efficiency and customer experience. Whataburger operates 24 hours a day, offering various dining options, including drive-thru, online ordering, curbside pickup, and delivery. The restaurant is known for its burgers and growing menu, along with signature items like the famous Fancy Ketchup.
Exciting Launch Events
As part of the grand opening festivities, Whataburger has planned a celebratory event called “What-a-bash” on Saturday, September 20, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The launch celebration will feature a video game truck, giveaways, and live performances by the Rocky River High School marching band, creating a fun atmosphere for the community. As a token of appreciation, the first 100 customers at the opening received free food items, including a Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit or Breakfast Taquito.
Background of Whataburger
Founded in Texas in 1950, Whataburger has grown to operate over 700 locations in the Lone Star State and several other states across the country. The chain’s expansion to North Carolina includes plans to open a total of 10 stores in the state by the end of 2025, which will also include a location in Indian Land, SC. The chain faced legal hurdles regarding its name due to local competition from a chain called What-A-Burger, which operates in Concord, Kannapolis, and Mooresville, necessitating careful navigation of branding as they establish a foothold in the region.
With an enthusiastic local operating partner overseeing this expansion, Whataburger aims to bring its unique offerings and beloved menu items to the Charlotte community.
Key Features of the New Whataburger Location
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Albemarle Road near Rocky River Road |
| Drive-Thru | Double drive-thru for quicker service |
| Dine-In | Spacious dining room for customers |
| Technology | Digital menu boards for easy navigation |
| Operating Hours | Open 24 hours a day |
FAQ
When did Whataburger open its first location in Charlotte?
Whataburger opened its first Charlotte location on Thursday, September 18, 2025.
What are the key features of the new Whataburger location?
Key features of the new Whataburger include a double drive-thru, a spacious dining room, and digital menu boards.
What is the schedule for the What-a-bash event?
The What-a-bash event is planned for Saturday, September 20, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
What items will the first 100 customers receive for free?
The first 100 customers received free food items, including a Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit or Breakfast Taquito.
How many Whataburger stores are planned in North Carolina by the end of 2025?
Whataburger plans to open 10 stores in North Carolina by the end of 2025, including a location in Indian Land, SC.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- WCNC: Whataburger Charlotte Debut
- Wikipedia: Whataburger
- WBTV: Whataburger Opens First Charlotte Location
- Google Search: Whataburger
- WSOC TV: Texas-Based Whataburger Opens in Charlotte
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fast Food
- Charlotte Observer: First Whataburger in Charlotte
- Google News: Whataburger Charlotte
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.
