Whataburger, the Texas-based fast food giant, has officially launched its expansion into North Carolina, marking a significant step in its growth outside its home state. The company broke ground on its first location in Hickory, North Carolina, this week, with plans to open nearly 10 new restaurants in the state by the end of the year.
However, the fast food chain’s entry into North Carolina has been met with legal challenges. In June, Whataburger filed a lawsuit against a local restaurant, What-A-Burger #13, accusing it of violating an agreement to coexist peacefully in the state. The lawsuit claims that the small, family-run restaurant infringed on Whataburger’s trademark. While Zeb Bost, the operator of What-A-Burger #13, has not commented publicly on the lawsuit, his legal team responded by claiming that it was Whataburger that had initially breached the agreement.
“This large national retailer is now threatening the future of What-A-Burger, a business that has been operating for 70 years, and the Bost family is being harmed by powerful corporate interests,” the restaurant’s lawyers told the Charlotte Observer.
Whataburger is not the only Texas-based company to pursue legal action over brand name disputes. Last year, Buc-ee’s, the popular travel center chain, sued a Missouri liquor store called Duckees, as well as several other businesses, including a Mexican store named Luc-ky’s. Despite these legal actions, Whataburger has a significantly larger footprint, with over 1,000 locations in 15 states. In contrast, What-A-Burger #13 operates just two locations in North Carolina—one in Mt. Pleasant and another in Locust.
While Whataburger pushes forward with its plans to open new locations, it appears the company is avoiding cities where What-A-Burger #13 operates. In addition to the Hickory location, which is slated to open later this year, Whataburger plans to bring its signature menu items, including the Monterey Melt, to several other locations across the state. These new restaurants will also feature fan-favorite items in celebration of the company’s 75th anniversary.
Here are the locations Whataburger is planning to open throughout 2025:
Gastonia: 3415 E Franklin Blvd, Late Spring 2025
Hickory: 2060 US Hwy 70 SE, Summer 2025
Charlotte: 12935 Albemarle Rd, Summer 2025
Indian Land, SC (Charlotte Metro): 8574 Charlotte Highway, Summer 2025
Greensboro: 1408 Four Seasons Station Blvd, Summer 2025
Winston-Salem: 291 Harvey St., Late Summer 2025
Archdale: 10118 N Main St., Fall 2025
High Point: 2713 N Main St., Fall 2025
As Whataburger moves forward with its expansion, it remains to be seen how the legal dispute with What-A-Burger #13 will unfold, but the chain’s growth in North Carolina seems unstoppable.
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