Whataburger Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs

Whataburger was founded in 1950 by Harmon Dobson as a small burger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas. It quickly expanded, opening its first franchise in 1953.

With over 1,000 locations across 15 states, Whataburger operates both corporate-owned and franchised restaurants. The franchise plans to expand into states like Nevada and South Carolina.

Known for its made-to-order burgers and iconic orange-and-white A-frame design, Whataburger offers a 24/7 customer experience.

The menu has grown to include breakfast, chicken dishes, and sandwiches. Embracing technology, Whataburger offers curbside pickup, delivery, and online ordering through its app.

Initial Investment

How much does it cost to start a Whataburger franchise? It costs on average between $1.2 million – $3 million to start a Whataburger franchised restaurant.

This includes costs for construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operating expenses. The exact amount depends on various factors, including the type of restaurant you choose, the location, and whether the franchisee chooses to lease or purchase the property.

Here are a few competitors of Whataburger in comparison and their initial investment:

Average Revenue (AUV)

How much revenue can you make with a Whataburger franchise? A Whataburger franchised restaurant makes on average about $3,500,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.

Here are a few burger franchise franchises in comparison and their yearly revenue:

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can a Whataburger franchise owner expect to earn?

The average gross sales for a Whataburger franchise are approximately $3.54 million per location. Assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $3.54 million yearly revenue can result in $531,000 EBITDA annually.

What funding options are available for a Whataburger franchise?

Most franchise buyers in Whataburger’s investment range finance their unit through an SBA 7(a) loan, with some multi-unit operators using SBA 504 loans for real estate. Buyers with rollable retirement funds sometimes use a ROBS structure to reduce debt service. See SharpSheets’ financial model hub for funding guidance.

How long does it take to pay back a Whataburger franchise investment?

Payback periods for franchises in Whataburger’s category typically run 3-7 years, depending on investment level, location performance, and financing structure. Actual payback varies significantly by unit performance and debt service obligations.

Who owns Whataburger?

Whataburger is owned by BDT Capital Partners, a Chicago-based investment firm. In 2019, the Dobson family, who founded Whataburger in 1950 and owned the company for nearly 70 years, sold a majority stake to BDT Capital Partners.

Despite this change in ownership, the Dobson family retains a minority interest, and Whataburger’s headquarters remain in San Antonio, Texas. The move was aimed at supporting the brand’s expansion and growth strategies.

SharpSheets Editorial Team | sharpsheets.io | Last Updated: June 2026

Disclaimer

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