Whataburger celebrated the grand opening of its new location in Webb City, Missouri, on Tuesday, pledging to be a community partner through its Feeding Student Success program.
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Kimberly Kannarr, Whataburger’s regional marketing director, declared, “This is your hometown Whataburger,” indicating the company’s commitment to supporting the local community.
To demonstrate this commitment, Kannarr presented a $1,000 check to Webb City CARES director Jesse DeGonia and several board members. As part of the Feeding Student Success program, Whataburger will offer free meals to students on Tuesdays with the purchase of an adult meal.
LeeAnn Crider, executive director of the Webb City Area Chamber of Commerce, thanked Kannarr for “being so community minded.” The new Whataburger location at 7:14 S. Madison St. features a lobby decorated with Webb City High School uniforms.
Mayor Lynn Ragsdale expressed gratitude for Whataburger’s contribution in keeping sales-tax dollars in Webb City by providing a fast-food option that prevents residents from traveling to Joplin. “We want Webb City to provide everything people want” so they don’t have to go elsewhere, he said.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony began with the Webb City JROTC colorguard raising the flag and Lydia Thieman singing the national anthem. Kannarr introduced the Webb City Whataburger staff, including Addison Mischeaux, the operating manager, who oversees shift managers to keep the store open 24 hours.
Kannarr also shared the history of the 74-year-old company, explaining how the founder created a hamburger so large that it had to be held with two hands, naming it the Whataburger.