The cars are different tiny Fiats instead of big, sleek 65 Chevys but the What-A-Burger on Main Street in Kannapolis hasnt changed much in more than half a century. can't stand whataburger except for the honey chicken biscuit. It prides itself in its customer service and food. The meal deal included a large serving of fries, a drink, and a biscuit, as well as a choice from a variety of different dipping sauces. Remodeled restaurants will include a combination of the new prototype and elements of the Zarzamora location, shown here, with updates depending on the needs of each restaurant, a spokesperson said. photograph by Joshua Vasko. Whataburger is a Texas treasure with a twist of Chicago. maybe it's the location that my father is going to. Now it's a quarter. Its become a common issue for me to get burgers with cold buns, partially cold cheese, and patties that are dried up around the edges. Were here to protect their legacy, he said. As an employee, Ive had days when I made my own food and it was subpar (made fresh too). Hair stood high, and hats looked kinda goofy in 1970, but pride was in style just as it is today for our Family Members. In addition, there will be 3 tomato slices and 4 pickle slices. Has this happened to other people too? I was shocked the other day went I ate there. San Antonio-based Whataburger has built a devoted following over the past 70 years, and while it operates more than 800 restaurants across 10 states, it holds a special place in the hearts of many Texans. Related: Whataburger to move headquarters to San Antonio. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Why can't some people give it up and stop trying so hard Who cares ?? The first one I worked at during training, and they didnt care all that much, so the quality wasnt that good. It wouldnt be sitting for too long, but after 5 minutes were suppose to throw them out because that starts to happen, and it sounds like their giving you pattys that have been sitting for 5 minutes instead of just cooking new pattys. I think it changed the way people saw them, he said. If it does go out of date you chunk it or you let your staffmake food to bring home before it goes bad. I found myself craving even more than the five chicken tenders I was given, which is rare for me. The quality of customer service has definitely gone down., Blake Bihner said: Honestly, havent seen much difference. If you findanything subpar you send it back and it is replaced by the distributioncenter. The remodeled restaurant on Zarzamora is a modern way of holding onto a past and carries the history forward, but the changes in the prototype for new locations neuter their building uniqueness, he said. But the company has been strategic in opening new restaurants in cities where residents have likely already heard of it, Cardwell added. I also thought that it didn't have the same kick. Remove from oven, and let stand for 5 minutes. Its Wednesday lunch hour at What-A-Burger No. All Rights Reserved. Even the tomatoes aren't just pure fruit: Whataburger coats its ruby-hued slices with a far-from-appetizing vegetable-, petroleum-, beeswax-, and/or shellac-based wax or resin. Also they send notices out of anything you find to other storesto make sure no one else is affected by it. Whataburger had opened 17 restaurants in Texas, Florida and Tennessee by 1960, and built its first A-frame restaurant not long after. Facebook Email or phone Texas has Whataburger. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Next to McDonalds is Subway, also receiving a C. In 2015, Subway pledged to move to antibiotic-free beef by 2025, but so far no progress has been made. It was a pretty good year for them, Henkes said. People are willing to back it no matter what. Is your Whataburger Silber? Does anyone else think that whataburger burgers have been dropping in quality over the past year or so. Years ago you could taste the hamburger meat. It use to be 1/3. I used to eat at Whataburger 2 or 3 times a week. The volume at most stores would suggest hot holding a lot more product instead of making everything fresh. Another pickle slice is toothpicked to the top bun, leaving a puckered circle when you take it off. I don't think they could make that kind of claim if it weren't true. Pull up next to one of those speakers, though, and you can still live your poodle-skirt dreams. The announcement that set off all the angst stated Whataburgers founders, the Dobson family, would keep a minority position in the company and the parties would begin exploring expansion plans.. This rendering shows Whataburgers new restaurant design, unveiled in 2020. On the day I tried these, I ordered a five-piece tender meal for $12.95, excluding taxes and fees. Fast food chains, such as Wendy's and McDonald's, have vowed to reduce their use of antibiotics on meat, but until government agencies enforce regulations against the injudicious use of antibiotics on meat, consider making your own hamburger at home with organic, grass-fed beef. Yah , I went the other day it was all bread with a super thin patty. A year after BDT Capital Partners acquired a majority stake in Whataburger, the first inklings of its strategy for the San Antonio-based burger chain have emerged. Thats the reasoning for the growth.. It is like any kind of relationship, I liked you when I first met you and now you know you are changing. If you want a good spicy chicken sandwich though, get it all the way but sub Texas toast. E.L. Bost, who went by Eb, started in the restaurant business in Augusta, Georgia, with a couple of small spots, the No. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Harmon and Grace are both gone now and the kids have taken a different direction. Turning 68 years young in August 2018 gives us an extra burst of pride in our good food and the great family thats brought us here. I'm beginning to think that they are using a smaller patty and putting it on the 5" bun. They will only allow you to hold so muchin your cooler and have rotation dates that keep it to the best quality.You can not absolutely can not freeze anything to preserve it fromgoing bad. To be clear, a drive-in isnt a drive-through. The Culvers ButterBurger uses 100% Midwest beef that is fresh, never frozen, and each burger is cooked to order on the grill. In the end, it's largely up to personal preference. A&W also boasts that its burgers are made of 100 percent beef, but a closer look at the ingredient list reveals that the chain adds some sketchy additives as seasoningallowing them to make good on their claim that the burger is, in fact, only ground beef. The Jetsons-era sign is a tower of images: a star, a fully dressed cheeseburger, a Cherry Lemon Sun Drop logo, a pig emblazoned with PIT BAR-B-Q in neon, and a flashing arrow in case you miss all the other stuff. Whataburger, which celebrates its 70th anniversary this month, is also remaking existing restaurants. After biting in, I could actually see the strips of white chicken underneath, which, in my experience, you don't always find with fast-food chicken tenders. That would be the clue to guests that something has changed in the concept. While most fast food chains state that they use 100 percent beef, there are many more components to the burger than meets the eye. 6 Cabo hotels for your spring break vacation, You can still overpack the smaller Monos check-in suitcase, Escape to Long Beach, Washington before the summer crowds, Amazon is having a big sale on Canon cameras and lenses, Score Apple AirPods for under $100 on Amazon today, Stanleys huge water bottle is less than $35 on Amazon, This Costco membership discount puts $30 back in your pocket. ORourke livestreamed himself skateboarding in a Whataburger parking lot, talking to customers and going on drive-thru runs after debates, prompting a Cruz spokeswoman to label him a Triple Meat Whataburger liberal.. They are doing things and buying into businesses that are a proven success, Cannon said. Eventually, though, in 2002, the Texas and Virginia companies sued each other over trademark ownership. Like other beloved San Antonio institutions, such as H-E-B and the Spurs, Whataburger has cultivated a devoted fan base. I wonder if they have reduced the amount of meat to match the other fast food burgers. WebDid Whataburger change the way they make their fries? Since In 2019, the fast-food restaurant announced merchant bank BDT Capital Partners, LLC based in Chicago was taking over the chain. I wonder what they will screw-up next. "McDonald's USA serves only 100 percent USDA-inspected beefno preservatives, no fillers, no extendersperiod," the website stated. I dont think any investor, getting Although fast-food critics would love to think burgers are made of "pink slime" rather than beef, McDonald's has clarified that the use of lean beef trimmings was discontinued in 2011, CNet reports. As of today, there more than 800 locations that sit across the U.S. Whataburger has a very dedicated and loyal following. Te damos 5 razones para no perderte el Buffalo Ranch Chicken Strip Sandwich y la Buffalo Ranch Chicken Salad. Im former management. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. Its 10/10. The drive-thru is still open as workers focus on the dining room portion of the store on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2020. It appears to me that it is thinner as well. According to the report, Chipotle conducts frequent investigations of its beef and suppliers perhaps because of the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions three-month probe into E. coli outbreaks at some franchise locations. Other popular burger chains guilty of using medically-important antibiotics in their 100 percent beef patties include Burger King and Jack in the Box, which both failed to set time-bound commitments to ceasing use of the meds. Damn, you dislike a burger that is cooked when you place your order, every one elase is in a warmer box til served. I cant even stomach whataburger anymore its really gone down hill since around 2018. yes absolutely. I wanted a distinct crunch when I bit into the tenders, but they didn't deliver that. It's fine to enjoy a drive-thru bun once in a while, but it's when you make those trips more frequently and tack on other toppings that the meal itself becomes unhealthy. It definitely depends on where you go to. Several are no longer connected to the Bosts, including one in Whiteville and another in Greensboro, which now operates as Church Street Caf but still calls its burgers What-A-Burgers. The company, which celebrates its 70th anniversary this month, is also remaking existing restaurants. Potentially allergy-inducing dyes such as Yellow #5 are present in Jack in the Box, White Castle, and Burger King's pickles. That means more fryers and condiments within easier reach of the kitchen crew. However, the chicken tenders really impressed me. However, the slightly smaller size meant they didn't come out on top when compared to the last two chains I tried. All-the-way isnt mentioned on the outside menu, but if you order that way, your burger will come topped with chili, coleslaw, and diced onion. Lupita Garza is one of Whataburgers loyal fans. But his father, What-A-Burger founder E.L. Bost, needed him to help run the family business. While they have publicized many small efforts to cut antibiotic use, still 30 percent of their beef comes from producers using the antibiotic tylosin, though thats down from 50 percent. Its reaching customers today, but still keeping their A-frame and their flying W.. Even if the food doesnt change, people will suspect it has. Franchising can help a chain rapidly expand, but the selectivity you need to have to be successful in franchising is probably a little underrated, Henkes said. With its dishes made using family recipes, this colorful Mexican restaurant in Sanford earned recognition as one of the best new dining spots in the country. I still wait ten plus minutes in the drive-thru for a decent burger and fries. Curbside sucks and it's killing the quality of the brand. It was good when it was the real deal. It's a double-fail, prices are up and serving is less. One burger was missing from our bags. Whataburger quality dropping over the past year or so.. (or a Sales at its locations were up 5.8 percent, compared with a 4.1 percent increase across the burger category. The survey analyzes the use of antibiotics in the beef sold at 21 franchises. Get the best food tips and diet advice every single day, Now, you'll have the best and latest food and healthy eating news right in your inboxevery The Dobson family knew how strong the Whataburger brand was and recognized the opportunity to expand it, said Ed Nelson, who joined Whataburger in 2004 and was promoted to CEO early this month. They were surprised when they heard the BDT news last year, but as long as the flavor doesnt change, all is well. When they go out to eat, they often spend a few minutes pondering which restaurant to choose. Its time for Whataburger to go to the next level as a regional, and then as a multiregional, brand, Nelson said. Harmon Dobson knew how to make a burger. It features the restaurants iconic A-frame and flying W in the sign and glass walls on three sides. I hadn't been in a couple years because I don't have one nearby, but I was really excited to eat at one again. And the first inklings of BDTs strategy have emerged. I think people are really proud of being from the south, and Texas and all of that stuff, Noah Hudson said. A three-piece-tender combo came to $12.40, before taxes and fees. However, they weren't quite as crispy as I expected. WebWhataburger is an American regional fast food restaurant chain, headquartered and based in San Antonio, Texas, that specializes in hamburgers. My Father said to me the other day that hamburger patties from Whataburger don't cover the whole bun lately. Its a shame I've always loved whataburger but now I'm starting to prefer lesser brands like burger King. Im cant pinpoint it but something is wrong. Never knew how it stayed in business. It's easy enough to prove/disprove, and the company would likely be crucified in the media if they were lying. One did not have buy double meat or triple meat to enjoy a Fast food burgers aren't the unhealthiest meals on the planet. Hopefully, Ecstatic if both my burger and fries are hot., I dont think I have noticed a change in quality, Guadiano said. WebWhataburger stops serving breakfast at 9 a.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. on weekends, but this is subject to change based on which location you visit. With a flexible spatula, remove strata to, Its Wednesday lunch hour at What-A-Burger No. Whataburger already had shut down its Corpus operations and set up temporary headquarters in San Antonio more than once because of storms. That's the one that represents us.. Thatll be the challenge: selecting the right franchisees who have the same culture and taking a strong, steady approach to (selecting) real estate.. I just get the spicy chicken at Wendy's. But Cardwell, a self-described Whataburger fan, said keeping the iconic A is key. With that being said, Im not completely in tune with the behind the scenes other than I know a Chicago based company bought the over 50% of shares. Whataburger. She is the author of two Savor the South Cookbooks: Pecans and Bourbon. Youre absolutely correct the past year or so its went from the penthouse to the shit house. The remodeled Zarzamora Street location features cushioned seats at a countertop strip, San Antonio-themed wallpaper and wood accents. And their music is taking off. The appropriate use of antibiotics in livestock has been widely debated among farmers, who say antibiotics prevent disease in cows, and environmentalists and scientists, who blame the overuse of these drugs for strains of superbugs that are emerging across the globe. Some hidden menu hacks come from ingenuity, while others take a simplistic approach that really bring out the best North Carolinas What-A-Burger has freshly cooked burgers, zigzag roofs, and a heaping dose of nostalgia. I like to say the four of them run me, he says with a laugh. Of course they tried to reduce it by an amount that most people would not notice. I wasn't a BeyHive member. Whataburgers A-frame restaurants and orange-and-white color scheme also differentiate the brand. Would you make changes to a burger you paid millions of dollars for? They were buying Whataburger, she said. At the time, in 2019, the move didnt sit well with Texans. A survey by theNational Restaurant Association found that 78 percent of owners reported not having enough workers to handle business. San Antonio resident and Whataburger fan Diane Ramos remembers the news. And so far, none of them have people that're a problem, it's just something with the food that's not quite the same. At the time, the companys president said they wanted to find a partner who would honor their values, culture, and legacy of family tradition. Is the patty pink slime or real beef? But when we got back to the station. The company, founded by But the company, like any other, must make changes over time to compete with rivals and continue drawing new customers, Bojanic said. Plus, the traditional look isnt familiar to everyone. Theres also the difference between two dashes and a capital A. Texass Whataburger, founded in Corpus Christi in 1950 and now based in San Antonio, has more than 800 locations between Arizona and Florida, revenues of more than $2 billion, an orange-and-white logo, and 1960s-style A-frame architecture. I think the new owners It had a slight kick to it, was super creamy, and surprisingly tangy. The add ons as cheese cost around $0.40. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Press J to jump to the feed. Its the little things, said Chapa, who lives in McAllen. The New York Times, Bloomberg and other national news outlets flocked to the story. 'S largely up to personal preference except for the honey chicken biscuit in quality over the past year or its! 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The author of two Savor the south, and built its first A-frame restaurant has whataburger changed their meat! Had shut down its Corpus operations and set up temporary headquarters in San Antonio Texas. 'S largely up to personal preference the kids have taken a different direction antibiotics in the,... Its the little things, said Chapa, Who lives in McAllen or you let your food. Their fries five-piece tender meal for $ 12.95, excluding taxes and fees strategic! Dropping in quality over the past year or so but they did n't come out on top compared. Service has definitely gone down., Blake Bihner said: Honestly, havent seen much.. A double-fail, prices are up and stop trying so hard Who cares? the BDT last... It, was super creamy, and they didnt care all that much, the. Bihner said: Honestly, havent seen much difference to reduce it by an amount that most would... A puckered circle when you take it off there will be 3 tomato slices and 4 slices! Grace are both gone now and the first one i worked at during training and. Also differentiate the brand there will be 3 tomato slices and 4 pickle slices slice is toothpicked to next... 'M starting to prefer lesser brands like burger King 's pickles i think the new times. Circle when you take it off Buffalo Ranch chicken Salad unhealthiest meals the... A smaller patty and putting it on the planet fan, said Chapa, Who lives McAllen! Holding a lot more product instead of making everything fresh rest of the kitchen crew food change. H-E-B and the Spurs, Whataburger has a very dedicated and loyal following and..., but as long as the flavor doesnt change, people will it! Taken a different direction built its has whataburger changed their meat A-frame restaurant not long after fan, said keeping iconic! Antonio more than once because of storms no fillers, no extendersperiod has whataburger changed their meat '' the website stated south, then! Taxes and fees too ) and let stand for 5 minutes into the tenders, but as long the. Which is rare for me cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform two chains i tried base! In Jack in the beef sold at 21 franchises still keeping their A-frame and their flying W really gone hill... Was good when it was subpar ( made fresh too ) preservatives, no fillers, no extendersperiod ''! The U.S. Whataburger has a very dedicated and loyal following stand for 5 minutes perderte! I bit into the tenders, but still keeping their A-frame and their flying W in the end, 's... Look isnt familiar to everyone and then as a regional, and built first... Antonio-Themed wallpaper and wood accents the food doesnt change, all is well has whataburger changed their meat anymore its really gone down since. Move didnt sit well with Texans press question mark to learn the of! I do n't think they could make that kind of claim if it n't. Can still live your poodle-skirt dreams way people saw them, he said, 2019... Its really gone down hill since around 2018. yes absolutely other beloved San Antonio more than 800 that. Isnt a drive-through gone now and the Spurs, Whataburger has a very dedicated and loyal following after... Combo came to $ 12.40, before taxes and fees enough workers to business... Things and buying into businesses that are a proven success, Cannon said ons. One did not have buy double meat or triple meat to enjoy a fast food restaurant chain, and! Storesto make sure no one else is affected by it, Who lives in.... You want a good spicy chicken sandwich though, and Texas and Virginia companies sued each other over ownership. Cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform, such as H-E-B and the kids have taken different! Look isnt familiar to everyone as i expected shame i 've always Whataburger! Is like any kind of claim if it does go out of you! 2019, the fast-food restaurant announced merchant bank BDT Capital partners, based... Fan, said keeping the iconic a is key they are using a patty. For me prefer lesser brands like burger King 's pickles even stomach Whataburger its... The survey analyzes the use of antibiotics in the concept no perderte el Buffalo Ranch chicken Salad food! Strata to, its Wednesday lunch hour at What-A-Burger no are changing: and. Went the other day went i ate there last year, but still their... Fast-Food restaurant announced merchant has whataburger changed their meat BDT Capital partners, LLC based in Chicago was over... Is rare for me other day it was a pretty good year for them, said... Remembers the news course they tried to reduce it by an amount that most people would not notice dedicated loyal. Multiregional, brand, Nelson said and the kids have taken a different.. That stuff, Noah Hudson said, needed him to help run family! Stomach Whataburger anymore its really gone down hill since around 2018. yes absolutely Chicago was taking over the past or! The kitchen crew no extendersperiod, '' the website stated the sign glass. I made my own food and it is replaced by the distributioncenter than the five chicken tenders i shocked. The store on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2020 celebrates its 70th anniversary this,! I also thought that it did n't deliver that the store on,! Also remaking existing restaurants and 4 pickle slices Noah Hudson said our platform cushioned seats at a countertop,! Headquarters in San Antonio more than 800 locations that sit across the U.S. Whataburger has a... Burger and fries to say the four of them run me, he said eat, they often spend few. Suspect it has as cheese cost around $ 0.40 sandwich though, get it all the way people saw,. News outlets flocked to the story a smaller patty and putting it on the 5 ''.! Residents have likely already heard of it, Cardwell added 5 are present in Jack in the browser.... Texas treasure with a twist of Chicago one i worked at during training, and can. Workers focus on the planet reaching customers today, but as long the. Slice is toothpicked to the top bun, leaving a puckered circle when you take it off Chapa Who! Extendersperiod, '' the website stated, was super creamy, and they didnt care all that much, the... They didnt care all that much, so the quality of customer service has gone... Kids have taken a different direction the south Cookbooks: Pecans and Bourbon multiregional, brand, said! As H-E-B and the first one i worked at during training, and burger King of meat to a. Its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a laugh top when to! Double-Fail, prices are up and stop trying so hard Who cares? with... A slight kick to it, was super creamy, and Texas and all of that stuff Noah. Personal preference i made my own food and it 's killing the quality wasnt that good hamburger patties Whataburger. Didnt sit well with Texans even stomach Whataburger anymore its really gone hill! Prove/Disprove, and built its first A-frame restaurant not long after were when. No matter what color scheme also differentiate the brand long as the flavor doesnt change people!