Whataburger debuts in Colorado
Article and photos by Tammy Abramovitz
This tricked-out Jeep at the opening of Colorado’s first Whataburger location brings the “Whata” craze to a whole new level – along with the Whatastore and Whatawedding.
The venerable Texas institution known as Whataburger entered the Colorado burger scene in February. The first franchise to open in Colorado, specifically Colorado Springs, features the burger so big that it took two hands to hold and so good that after a single bite, customers couldn’t help but exclaim, “What a burger!”
Harmon Dobson’s bold idea and his burger stand “Whataburger” had their humble beginnings in Corpus Christi, Texas, in 1950. Fast forward to today. The company now serves hot, fresh food with a drive-thru that’s open 24/7 at more than 800 Whataburgers across the country.
A super fan wears custom Whataburger-embroidered cowboy boots at the Colorado Springs restaurant opening.
Super fans of the iconic burger came from near and far to be the first in line and were honored by the local franchise owner William Tamminga, owner of BurgerWorks, Whataburger’s franchise partner. There were customized jeeps outside and folks wearing custom boots inside. Burgers all around and Whataburger’s signature Dr Pepper shakes were popular, as well as all the talk of the Whataburger culture.
Whataburger is a not just an eatery, it’s an experience. On the company website, one can find downloadable coloring pages to “color your cravings.” Texas jeweler, James Avery, makes a sterling silver fry charm, a Whataburger cup charm, and a sterling silver heart with the iconic orange stripe and “Whataburger” stamped on the back. These can all be found in the Whatastore. Don’t forget the Whatawedding – yes, people get married at the Whataburger and can purchase merchandise to commemorate the day.
The real love for the franchise and the real art is found on the Whataburger Museum of Art Instagram account @thewmoa. The account is a collection of Whataburger artwork by the fans and for the fans – doodles, drawings, acrylics and oils dot this fun page.
The founder’s original vision still inspires everything across the hundreds of restaurants. Customer burgers are still made to order fresh at the time of purchase, and the rest continues to be inspired by the love of the instantly recognizable orange and white stripes and the offerings found inside.
