Whataburger opens third restaurant in Springfield

Whataburger opened its fifth restaurant in the Springfield area this morning, completing plans announced in early 2022 to enter the local market.

The San Antonio, Texas-based fast-food chain opened at 401 N. Eastgate Ave., near Menards at the Chestnut Expressway and U.S. Highway 65 interchange, according to a company news release. The restaurant is offering drive-thru service only, though the dining room will open in the coming weeks.

The Springfield store launch this morning follows a store opening in Republic in December 2022, and a 2023 opening in Ozark and two in Springfield, 2355 N. Glenstone Ave. and 3880 W. Sunshine St., according to past reporting.

The restaurant employs 75 and is led by operating partner Matthew Young, according to the release. Young has run Whataburger restaurants for nearly five years, beginning in Texas.

“Since opening our first Springfield restaurant in 2022, Whataburger has provided approximately 400 jobs to the community and been a home away from home to many,” Young said in the release. “We’re delighted to continue the brand’s tradition of warm hospitality and extensive menu of fresh, customizable offerings with our newest restaurant.”

Whataburger has annual sales of roughly $3 billion across its 950 restaurants in 14 states, according to its website.