Whataburger Orders Empower As Media AOR
- by Fern Siegel , January 13, 2025
Whataburger, the Southern fast-food chain known for its hamburgers and fries, has chosen Empower Media its media AOR.
The Chicago-based Empower agency will be responsible for leading Whataburger’s media strategy, planning and buying across all channels.
Whataburger hopes to retain loyal fans, while expanding into new regions. North Carolina’s first Whataburger broke ground on Jan. 7. According to the Charlotte Business Journal, the company will open eight North Carolina locations this year. Four in the Charlotte area.
Ashlee Clarke, CEO of Empower, said: "Having grown up in the South, Whataburger has a special place in my heart. Together, we’re going to create something truly extraordinary that celebrates everything Whataburger stands for: bold flavor, authenticity and a whole lot of Texas pride.”
Alexandar Ivannikov, chief administrative officer, Whataburger, cited Empower's “strong expertise in connecting with customers across all channels.”
Whataburger, founded in 1950, is headquartered in San Antonio. It claims $4 billion annual revenue across a 16-state footprint and more than 1,000 restaurants.
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The problem with Whataburger is not the food, it hasn't materially changed for decades. The PROBLEM is the lack of SERVICE. You queue into a drive up line to order, finally you get to give your order, then you queue up again to wait for your food. 20 minutes to get a burger is not uncommon, and primarily the reason I don't go there anymore. Showing me burgers with red tomatoes and green lettuce and some perfect skin complexion teenager smiling away, doesn't change the fact that the SERVICE is HORRIBLY SLOW. Whataburger is synonomous with porr and slow service. If you've got 30 minutes for lunch and spend 20 of that just getting your order, there are much better options for speed and getting you your order quickly. Do something about THAT and customers will return. Anybody listening?