By Jeanni Ritchie
Check out your local Whataburger this week as they gear up to celebrate National Whataburger Day on Thursday, August 8.
Restaurants across America are decorated this week to show their customer appreciation in honor of the annual celebration.
In 1950, Harmon Dobson and Paul Burton opened the first Whataburger restaurant in Corpus Christi, Texas. The name ‘Whataburger’ was chosen to convey the immense size and deliciousness of their hamburgers. To stand out from other fast food places, they wanted a name that would make customers say ‘What a burger!’ hence the birth of the term.
Whataburger spicy ketchup debuted as a limited time only menu item in 2012 and became part of the permanent menu in 2013. Whataburger’s Spicy Ketchup, along with eight other signature Whataburger sauces, can now be found on grocery store shelves across the country.
As of 2024, Whataburger continues to thrive with over 1000 locations in fifteen states. Besides the sauces, the chain has introduced various menu items and collaborations to cater to changing tastes and trends, while still staying true to its original ‘Whataburger’ concept.
This year they are celebrating #NationalWhataburgerDay with the limited Birthday Shake. Customers can order the free birthday cake-flavored shake on August 8 by downloading the Whataburger app.
“The Birthday Shake tastes like fun,” Whataburger SVP and Chief Marketing Officer Scott Hudler said. “With its signature orange color, whipped cream, and sprinkles, it looks like a party in a cup. The icing on the shake is that Whataburger Rewards program members can celebrate this milestone with us by getting their shake entirely for free, no purchase necessary. It’s like inviting hundreds of thousands of your closest friends to your birthday party!”
In addition to the free shake, Whataburger is celebrating with its communities by fulfilling $74,000 worth of teacher supply wish lists throughout August as part of the Whataburger Feeding Student Success charitable giving program. Do you know a teacher who could use a little love? On Aug. 8, Whataburger will post on “X” (formally Twitter) asking its followers to nominate teachers in their lives who could use some help buying school supplies for the new year. The brand will fulfill wish lists until $74,000 is spent!
Jeanni Ritchie is an orange-loving former educator who is delighted in this year’s Whataburger celebration! She can be reached at jeanniritchie54@gmail.com.