BUSINESS

Is Fayetteville finally getting a Whataburger? Here's everything we know.

Taylor Shook
Fayetteville Observer

An iconic Texas-based burger chain may be making its way to Fayetteville. 

Whataburger submitted plans to the city’s Technical Review Committee showing a 3,305-square-foot freestanding store at 3900 Ramsey St. with a two-lane drive-thru. 

The proposed restaurant would be part of a $40 million shopping center planned by Florida-based developer Impeccable Development. The company plans to break ground on the shopping center later this year and open in the second quarter of 2026, director of real estate Rob Tanner told The Fayetteville Observer in October.

Previously:Grocery store, ‘big box’ shopping center coming to Ramsey Street. Here’s where they’ll be

Located across Ramsey Street from Ollie’s Bargain Outlet and Lowe’s, the shopping center will be anchored by a 147,583-square-foot “big-box” store and include a car service shop, a convenience store, a carwash, two restaurants and two retail stores, according to plans on file with the city's Development Services office. 

WHATABURGER What it is: Texas-based fast-food chain Why people want one in Fayetteville: 'No other fast food compares to it.' 'The burgers are fantastic.' 'Because Texas is better and it would make this place bearable.'

Whataburger: A welcome addition

Whataburger may be a welcome addition to the city’s north commercial corridor. In a June poll from The Fayetteville Observer, the chain ranked No. 12 among restaurants, grocery stores and cuisines that Fayetteville-area residents want the most. 

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Founded in 1950, the fast-food chain known for its hamburgers, spicy ketchup, patty melt and Dr. Pepper milkshake has about 1,000 locations in 16 states and Washington, D.C.  

Fayetteville isn’t the only city in the Tar Heel State that may soon gain a Whataburger. The chain plans to open locations near Raleigh and Charlotte along Interstate 85 in 2024, chain president and CEO Ed Nelson told The Post and Courier in November.  

Whataburger did not immediately return a request for comment Wednesday.  

Plans for a proposed Whataburger restaurant on Ramsey Street have been submitted to the city of Fayetteville.

Food, dining and culture reporter Taylor Shook can be reached at tshook@gannett.com or on Facebook. Want weekly food news delivered to your inbox? Sign up for the Fayetteville Foodies newsletter.