How to Start a Whataburger Franchise – Cost, Fee, & Profit

Have you been searching for starting a Fast-food franchise location? If you were given the chance, would you be ready to join the renowned Burger chain? Or, do you adore burgers and want to elevate this by collaborating with a well-known restaurant like the Whataburger franchise?

Indeed the food market maybe growing extensively across the globe but it could be certainly difficult to choose one of the profitable franchise with a moderate investment.

To solve this problem, we have brought in another interesting chain – Whataburger, specializes in offering variety of delectable tasty burgers.

In this post, we’ll cover a detailed article on the Whataburger chain with its capital required, cost, profit, and step-by-step guidelines to get this franchise – and answer some common questions about the chain.

• Brand: Whataburger
• Founded: 1950
• Key People: Harman & Paul
• Industry: Fast food
• No. of outlet: 900+
• Area served: United states
• Franchise Fee: $40,000
• Royalty Fee: 4-5%
• Ad Royalty Fee: 2-3%
• Initial Investment: $2 million to 2.5 million

Overview of Whataburger Franchise

Incepted in 1950 by Harmon Dobson and Paul Burton in Corpus Christi, Whataburger is one of America’s most popular and leading fast food chains that specializes in offering a variety of hamburgers and other delectable food items.

The chain was actually started with a simple goal: to serve a burger so big it took two hands to hold and so good that after one bite, customers would say, “What a burger!”.

With sheer expertise and wide range of product menus, Whataburger has grown into a chain of over 900 locations across 14 states stretching from Arizona to Florida, road-trippers and hometown folks alike continue gathering under the big orange-and-white roofs for fresh, made-to-order burgers and friendly service. 

The chain is quite renowned to serve made-to-order burgers that are prepared with 100% fresh ingredients, never-frozen beef and served on a big toasted five-inch bun with all “the extras” to suit your taste.

Whataburger’s locations have been growing exponentially in its more than 70+ year history, and all thanks to a number of features, including iconic orange-and-white-striped restaurants, varieties in delectable & customizable menu options, exceptional customer service, and its famous Fancy Ketchup.

Does this little snippet on Whataburger excites you to own its franchise? then, stay with us till last to know and understand more about its cost, fee, and profit.

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Whataburger Franchise Opportunities – The Journey

Their journey started way back in 1950 by opening first fast food outlet in Corpus Christi, Texas and with high-quality ingredients, customizable menu options, and excellent customer service, Whataburger has become one of the popular and leading chain with over 900+ outlets present across the states.

Key Facts on Whataburger

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How much does a Whataburger Franchise Cost?

The franchise fee or Total Initial setup cost for the Whataburger chain will depend on the proposed geographical locations and chosen franchise model.

Nonetheless, To start a Whataburger franchise, one would at least require an initial investment of $2 million to $2.5 million and may be a dedicated floor area of min 2500 square feet to set up a brick-and-mortar retail space.

Additionally, The above-mentioned initial investment for Whataburger business does cover the expenses or fee such as Franchise fees, Marketing Fees, Equipment, and other necessary fees.

Whataburger Franchise Fee

The franchise fee for Whataburger is $40,000. Furthermore, Interested candidates should also meet the minimum financial requirement of at least Net Worth of $1.5 million and at least $500,000 in liquid assets.

Additional Cost for Whataburger

Typically, to run and maintain a Whataburger location, one must adhere to their standards and are liable to pay a few additional costs such as Royalty fee, advertisement fee, maintenance fee, and a few other investments.

The on-going royalty fee for Whataburger location will be approximately 4-5% and ad royalty fee is 2-2.5% of the monthly gross sales.

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How much is Whataburger Franchise Profit margin?

The profit margin for a Whataburger location may vary depending on several factors, such as location, sales volume, operating costs, and average customer footfall.

Nevertheless, considering its countrywide presence, a wide range in menu, extensive training support, best-in-class marketing strategy, an average Whataburger restaurant can expect to make an average operating profit of 20%.

Additionally, According to the franchise disclosure document, the average net sales for a Whataburger is $2.7 million, and with an average operating profit margin of 20%, makes an average annual profit of $540,000.

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What does it require to Start a Whataburger Outlet?

To own a franchise, you might have to meet the certain requirements. However, we have enlisted a few major Whataburger franchise requirements for your reference;

1. First and most important – One should be financially well-qualified and have good credit to start a Whataburger location, and should be ready to invest minimum $2 million to $2.5 million.
2. Interested applicants are advised to dedicate themselves to the Whataburger business and follow the company standards and maintain their legacy.
3. Interested applicants must undergo and complete the necessary training program offered by the Whataburger.
4. Applicant should be hard-working and dedicated to being heavily involved during the early stages of their new venture with Whataburger.
5. Interested franchisees should have passion to work in the Food and Beverages industry and should possess the leadership and financial skills to operate a Whataburger outlet.

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Why Consider Owning a Whataburger Franchise?

There could be several benefits in owning a Whataburger location, and to help them we have listed a few reasons for it;

1. Leverage established brand value:
   • As a new franchisee, you might benefit from the brand recognition and the marketing efforts of the company.
2. Proven operating system:
   • The franchise offers a proven operating system that also provides extensive training and support to ensure they can successfully operate their restaurant.
3. Comprehensive Training:
   • Whataburger provides comprehensive training to its franchisees, covering all aspects of the business, including operations, marketing, and financial management.
4. Latest Menu Innovation:
   • The franchise is renowned for its customizable menu options, and the company is constantly innovating and introducing new menu items to keep customers engaged.

Does Whataburger take apple pay?

Yes, it does accept Apple pay for most of its drive-thru location. However, we at FranchiseGoal advice you to check with the specific restaurant you plan to visit to ensure that they accept Apple Pay.

It is also a good idea to check out Whataburger mobile app to know whether they accept Apple Pay.

How to Get a Whataburger Franchise?

Becoming a Whataburger outlet owner requires a minimal investment that offers an impressive gross profit margin. Additionally, the Whataburger chain may provide several benefits, and interested candidates can take up franchise outlets in their city through their expertise and endless support systems.

One can avail this franchise using below mentioned steps;

1. Visit its official website, and navigate to franchise tab.
   • Please fill in the details like Name, Email ID, Country, State, and Phone number.

Final Takeaway – Summary

Undoubtedly, Whataburger is one of America’s successful fast food chain with a strong brand and loyal customer base. With its sheer experience and a wide range in menu, Whataburger has expanded into more than 900 locations across US.

With a minimum Initial investment of $2 million to $2.5 million, the Whataburger chain may offer an outstanding profit margin to its stakeholders and one may anticipate an exceptional gross profit margin and a net profit margin.

The Bottom line – In case you are interested in the Fast food industry and want to take advantage of the opportunity with moderate investment, then you can start a Whataburger outlet in your city.

With its immense legacy, expertise, and robust support model, one may experience stable and steady growth in their entrepreneurial journey.

So, what are you waiting for? Go and start your entrepreneurial journey with Whataburger!!

Good Luck!! Happy Franchising!!

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