Whataburger to open next week in Branson

Restaurant chain Whataburger, which has debuted and expanded in the Springfield area in recent years, is set to open its newest restaurant in Branson.

San Antonio, Texas-based Whataburger announced in a news release today that the corporate-owned eatery at 600 W. Main St. would open March 3 along with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“We look forward to a long and successful partnership," Branson Mayor Larry Milton said in the release. "This new restaurant not only adds another dining option for our residents and visitors but also brings new jobs and investment to our city."

Located across the street from a Chick-fil-A eatery, the site had been vacant prior to the construction of the Whataburger restaurant. The site previously had been marked for a Taco Habitat location, but those plans fell through amid a Paycheck Protection Program fraud scheme prosecuted against owner Michael Felts by the federal government.

Springfield Business Journal reported in May 2024 that a Whataburger restaurant was in the works at the site.

The Branson restaurant joins three Whataburger locations in Springfield and one each in Republic and Ozark, according to the release.

“We’re thrilled to finally bring Whataburger to Branson,” Whataburger Operating Partner Shekara Little said in the release. “We know there’s a lot of excitement for our arrival, and we can’t wait to serve the Branson community our fresh, made-to-order burgers and other delicious menu items. We’re committed to becoming a valued member of this vibrant city.”