The Strange Cult Of Whataburger
In the state of Texas, Whataburger is more than a regional fast food chain, it’s a beloved institution that people defend like a member of the family. But what exactly is it about this seemingly run of the mill burger joint that inspired such cult-like devotion?
In this episode of Weird History Food, we peek behind the orange-and-white stripes to figure out how Whataburger survived viral scandals, fierce competition, and backlash over major corporate changes to become one of America’s most beloved regional burger chains.
Are you a fan of Whataburger? Let us know in the comments.
(Much like real history, this video was produced entirely by human beings.)
#noai #fastfood #weirdhistoryfood #food
45 Comments
What a charming little video.
shit food … just like any other fast food shit place
First time I had Whataburger was in Kingsville 4-5 years ago , it was a big burger ,it was ok taste, not best burger I had.
I tried Whataburger in Houston. Tastes exactly like a Burger King Whopper in Canada.
I had heard so many tales of how great Whataburger is that I had to try it the first time I went to Texas.
It was OK, but they screwed up my order three times in a row, so I haven't bothered going back.
Wrong sandwich, no shake, then the wrong shake TWICE.
@4:00 WaNtaburger? 🤔
This video conveniently left out the fact that after the holding company bought out Whataburger, that there was a dramatic shift in how they did business and what their product was made of. In short terms it’s not what it once was.
Idk how people eat in n out. It's so basic and turned my stomach any time I've had it
Two thoughts
1) The best burger I've ever had wasn't at Whataburger or In n Out Burger it was at a place called Denise's Farmers Market about halfway between downtown San Francisco and Yosemite national park. I understood that farmer's market is now closed.
2) Who doesn't want a deep fried rodent in their hamburger?
Whataburger has expanded to the Kansas City metro almost exclusively because it is Patrick Mahomes favorite fast food place. He is an investor in several locations.
Whataburger is trash. It’s just a glorified Wendy’s
As a Texan, I feel obligated to point out that Whataburger is not merely a restaurant. It’s a state-funded emotional support program disguised as a burger joint.
The Alamo? Important. Oil? Valuable. NASA? Impressive.
But at 1:37 AM after a long day, a honey butter chicken biscuit from Whataburger has done more for my morale than all three combined.
If archaeologists dig up Texas 5,000 years from now, they’re going to find orange-and-white stripes and conclude that we worshipped a benevolent burger deity. And honestly, they wouldn’t be completely wrong.
Do Pals burgers in E Tennessee
Born/raised Houstonian, 55/male, I never got the fascination with Whataburger. But when I do go, and it's been 10+ years, I get the jalapeno bacon cheeseburger with mayo instead of mustard.
WB went to s**t after the sale. I don't even go there anymore bc it's not the same.
There are no Whataburgers in California the last one closed in 87 way before they were sold off, the Texas locations I went to 30 years ago were great, now not so much, In N Out has taken over my favorite
I’ve always wanted to try a Waterburger
I’ve lived most of my life in So Cal, currently live in, my preferred state, Minnesota. So I can say without a doubt, I’d take Whataburger over In & Out any day of the week.
It is not a cult, it just the other fast foods are worse. And yes ever since the sale Whataburger is not as good as it use to be.
What-a-video!
Used to be my go to,hands down. USED to be. To say it's gone downhill is actually being kind.
When I moved back to AZ from LA, I got into Phoenix around 1am, the first thing I did when I got there was stop at Whataburger near downtown PHX for a double meat with cheese, fries, and spicy ketchup.
I live in San Antonio, Texas, and Whataburger has been a thing for all my life. Go to the website and get the Whataburger sunglasses, and you will make be considered a friend to any stranger you happen to meet here in the Alamo City.
The burger got worst and I got sick eating there and now I’m done with them for good. Not only did I get sick but now I have severe gut issues because of the residual poison or whatever it was
Dude. Whataburger sucks and I do not understand the appeal. I live in east TX ad people love whataburger. It's actually kind of disgusting.
The new corporate overlords ruined a great brand. Used to get WB whenever visiting home in Texas…then moved back soon after the change and it just sucks now.
It sucks after chicago burger took it over. Nothing like it was.
Chicos tacos in El Paso Texas is a cult
The movie clip drop-ins add nothing. please stop
As seniors in high school, we always went to Whataburger after football games. I exclusively buy Whataburger condiments for use at home now. Whataburger is the ONLY fast food burger I’ll settle for on a road trip.
11:55 no one talking about the thicker ketchup?😅
They just opened one near Clayton, NC and I tried it for the first time. I'd rank it above McDonald's, below Burger King and Wendy's. Not horrible, but I don't get the hype.
Calling Whataburger fans a cult when In-N-Out fans exist is wild!
Btw, it’s me, I’m In-N-Out fans…
Whataburger is shit since it's been bought out by BDT & MSD Partners a corporate interest out of Chicago
As a Texan, who’s experienced whataburger in the late 90’s until now…..whataburger sucks now. Expect to waste 30 minutes of your hour lunch break waiting on mediocre burgers. Ever since the Chicago company bought them, they’ve gone down hill.
Whataburger is about Vibes and when you eat it. Best Hamburger to eat between 11PM and 11AM in Texas. Great after the Bar or ball games or working the nighshift.
why am i watching this?i had never even heard of this brand
Whataburger is trash.
We were lucky to have a whataburger here in Monterrey Mexico, many years ago….. Amazing burgers and a great place to study and hang out with friends. It was part of my high school years. Hope they come back….
I very rarely eat fast food, but I sometimes get a craving for two brands of Fast food, Popeyes for the spicy chicken sandwich with red beans and rice on the side, and Whataburger for the burger with cheese, mayo, lettuce and mayo, a side of fries with their amazing ketchup. Maybe four times in a year, but when I want a Whataburger, I want it, and nothing else will satisfy that want.
BTW, that was not a vintage car in the video, it was a replica of a vintage car, but if you got married at a Whataburger, who cares.
If I'm getting a Fast Food burger, it's In-n-Out or Culvers.
In the 80s and 90s, whataburger was beyond good. Over the past few years the quality and service has really gone downhill. Chicagoburger became known for messed up orders, 30-40 minute waits for cold, soggy food. Today it's hit-or-miss, depending on which restaurant you visit. Some locations will always be trash.
not that good. lived in tx in the 80s 90s
Whataburger used to be a treat when I would visit my family in Texas, but now it's absolute garbage. Yet Texans still worship it, because they're in denial that their beloved chain sold its soul.