Who owns Whataburger?

Whataburger is owned by the private equity firm BDT Capital, while the founding Dobson family holds a minority stake in the company.

Current Ownership

Whataburger is currently majority-owned by the private equity firm BDT Capital. In addition to the majority owners, the family of founder Harmon Dobson owns a minority share.

The Dobson family sold the majority stake to BDT Capital in 2019.

Whataburger Ownership History

• 1950: Whataburger was founded by Harmon Dobson and Paul Burton.
• 1951: Paul Burton leaves Whataburger over a dispute about the pricing of the burgers.
• 2019: BDT Capital Partners, a Chicago-based investment firm, acquired a majority stake in Whataburger. The Dobson family retained a minority ownership position following this sale.

Whataburger Operations

Whataburger operates as a fast-food restaurant chain, primarily in the Southern and Southwestern United States. Known for its signature hamburgers, the company offers a variety of menu items including breakfast options, chicken sandwiches, and salads.

The restaurants are typically open 24 hours a day, providing both dine-in and drive-thru services. The company emphasizes quality ingredients and made-to-order meals, aiming to differentiate itself from other fast-food chains through its customer service and distinctive A-framed orange-and-white-striped buildings.

Whataburger Locations

• Texas: 719 locations
• Florida: 44 locations
• Arizona: 39 locations
• Oklahoma: 37 locations
• Alabama: 34 locations
• Louisiana: 24 locations
• Tennessee: 14 locations
• Arkansas: 14 locations
• New Mexico: 13 locations
• Missouri: 12 locations

Whataburger Competitors

Whataburger’s main competitors are McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, In-N-Out Burger, and Jack in the Box. These chains are similar in offering fast-food products, particularly hamburgers, and operate in overlapping markets.