Whataburger: Company Profile & Background Check FAQs

Whataburger was founded on August 8, 1950, in Corpus Christi, Texas, by Harmon Dobson and Paul Burton. Dobson's original goal was to build a burger so large it took two hands to hold and so good that customers would exclaim "What a burger!" - a promise that became the brand's name. The first location was an open-air portable stand at 2609 Ayers Street in Corpus Christi, and early demand quickly outpaced the founders' expectations. The company expanded steadily through Texas and into neighboring states over the following decades, becoming one of the most recognized quick-service restaurant brands in the South.

Today, Whataburger operates more than 1,000 locations across 16 states, concentrated in Texas and extending through the Southeast, Gulf Coast, and parts of the Midwest. The chain is known for large, made-to-order burgers, a 24-hour service model at many locations, and a devoted regional following. In 2019, BDT Capital Partners, a Chicago-based merchant bank, acquired a majority stake in the company. The Dobson family retained a minority ownership interest and continued in an advisory capacity. Headquarters are in San Antonio, Texas.

Company programs and workplace initiatives:

Whataburger offers a range of programs for its restaurant workforce. Benefits for eligible employees vary by employment status and location and have included medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) retirement savings plans, paid time off, and an employee assistance program. The company provides structured training for restaurant roles, with advancement tracks for crew members moving into shift leader, assistant manager, and restaurant manager positions.

Whataburger has operated internship and leadership development programs designed to build a pipeline of restaurant managers from within. Scholarship programs for employees and their families have been offered through the Whataburger Family Foundation, which also supports community giving initiatives in the markets where the company operates. Area management and corporate roles are based primarily in San Antonio and regional offices. The minimum hiring age is generally 16 at most locations, with some locations accepting applicants as young as 15 where state law permits and a valid work permit is in place.

Yes. Whataburger conducts background checks as part of its hiring process. Background screening is standard for management and shift leader candidates. For entry-level crew and team member positions, screening practices may vary by location and franchisee. Candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment should expect to provide consent for a background check before their start date is confirmed. See Checkr's guide to background check turnaround times for general information on how the process works.

Most employment background checks can be completed in three to five business days, though timing varies with the screenings ordered and the accessibility of records. Database searches can return results in minutes, whereas searches requiring manual courthouse retrieval or follow-up verification may extend beyond a week. High application volumes during seasonal hiring periods can also affect processing times. See Checkr's guide to background check turnaround times for details.

A background check report may include:

Look-back periods vary by state law, position, and the CRA's data sources. Many employers focus on the past seven years for most convictions, but certain roles or jurisdictions can require different timeframes. Some states limit how far back employers can review criminal records, while others restrict reporting of certain offense types. Candidates should review state fair-chance or "ban-the-box" laws to understand local limits that may apply in their state.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires employers to obtain written consent before ordering a background report, provide a copy of the report plus a "pre-adverse action" notice if they may take negative action based on the findings, and allow time to dispute errors. EEOC guidance also recommends an individualized assessment that considers the nature of the offense, its age, and its relevance to the specific job. These protections help ensure candidates have an opportunity to review and contest inaccurate information before a final hiring decision is made.

Whataburger has been reported to conduct pre-employment drug testing, particularly for management-level and shift leader positions. Whether drug testing is required for entry-level crew and team member roles can vary by location, franchisee, and applicable state law. Some states have specific rules governing when and how employers may conduct drug screening. Candidates applying for management roles should be prepared for the possibility of a pre-employment drug test as part of the screening process. Policies at individual franchise-operated locations may differ from company-operated restaurant practices.

Whataburger does not have a publicly stated blanket policy that automatically disqualifies candidates with felony records. As with most employers of this size, hiring decisions for candidates with criminal histories are typically made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the nature of the offense, the time that has passed, and its relevance to the duties of the role being applied for.

Many states have enacted ban-the-box laws that restrict when employers can ask about criminal history during the application process. These laws vary by state and city, and some apply specifically to private employers. Candidates with felony records who are applying to Whataburger positions should be aware of the fair-chance protections available in their state, and should be prepared to discuss their history if asked during the interview or offer stage.

The Whataburger hiring process generally follows these steps:

Application status updates are generally communicated by the hiring manager or via the application portal used during the process. Processing times can vary by location and hiring volume.

Running a personal background check with Checkr allows you to preview what Whataburger may see during the hiring process and identify potential inaccuracies before they affect your application. In one secure report you can review:

Create your report in minutes at Checkr Personal Background Checks. To showcase verified credentials proactively, build a free Checkr Profile you can share with recruiters, hiring managers, or potential employers.

Check your report status in the Candidate Portal. Or, visit the Checkr Help Center for FAQs, dispute steps, and to contact support.

The resources and information provided here are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult your own counsel for up-to-date legal advice and guidance related to your practices, needs, and compliance with applicable laws.

The resources and information provided here are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult your own counsel for up-to-date legal advice and guidance related to your practices, needs, and compliance with applicable laws.