Mahomes-backed Whataburger franchisee takes over operation of Springfield-area restaurants

San Antonio, Texas-based Whataburger is turning over operations of its Springfield-area restaurants to a franchisee that's backed by Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Through the deal, Kansas City, Kansas-based KMO Burger LLC is taking over 16 corporate-owned restaurants in the Springfield and Kansas City markets, according to a news release. The deal closed May 12 for undisclosed terms, according to a Whataburger spokesperson.

"As a longtime fan and investor, I'm thrilled to take this next step with Whataburger. The brand means a lot to me – not just for the food, but for how it brings people together," said Mahomes, part-owner of KMO Burger, in the release. "Our team at KMO Burger is ready to keep raising the bar. I'm proud to be part of a team that's focused on both growth and community."

KMO Burger now has 29 Whataburger restaurants after the completion of the deal, including its previous slate of eateries located largely in the Kansas City market.

The Springfield-area restaurants transitioning to KMO Burger are as follows:
• 401 N. Eastgate Ave., Springfield
• 2337 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield
• 3880 W. Sunshine St., Springfield
• 600 W. Main St., Branson
• 1851 W. Marler Lane, Ozark
• 1371 U.S. Highway 60, Republic

Whataburger Restaurants LLC employees at the impacted stores are transitioning to KMO Burger workers, according to the release.

Whataburger entered the Springfield-area market within the last three years, starting with the first store in Republic that opened in late 2022, according to past reporting.