Is There a Whataburger in California, Chicago or New York?
No, there is no Whataburger in California, Chicago (Illinois) or New York. Whataburger left California in 1987; the closest stores are in Las Vegas and Arizona for the West, Missouri for Chicago, and North Carolina for New York.
California
There is no Whataburger in California in the store directory. Whataburger did operate there once: it shut down its California operations in 1987, according to the company's history.
The closest stores to Southern California are in Arizona (45 stores) and the single store in Las Vegas. See Whataburger in Las Vegas.
Chicago and Illinois
There is no Whataburger in Illinois. The nearest stores are in Missouri, where Whataburger opened in the Kansas City area from 2021, with 20 stores today. Ironically, Whataburger's owner since 2019, BDT Capital Partners, is based in Chicago.
New York and the Northeast
There is no Whataburger in New York or anywhere in the Northeast. The closest stores to New York are in North Carolina, where Whataburger has been opening stores since its 2024 announcement.
The full list of states is on what states have Whataburger.
Will Whataburger come to these states?
Whataburger has been growing out of Texas: Kansas City and Wichita from 2021, Middle Tennessee and Atlanta in 2022, and the Carolinas announced in 2024. It has not announced California, Illinois or New York in the information we have.
Store counts are updated on Whataburger locations.
If you are visiting a Whataburger state
Travelers from California, Chicago or New York usually meet Whataburger in Texas, where it has 787 stores. First-timer picks are on what to order at Whataburger, and how the numbers and Whatameals work on how to order at Whataburger.
Most Texas stores are open 24 hours, so a late arrival is not a problem.
Similar chains where you live
West Coast readers often compare Whataburger with In-N-Out; the differences are on Whataburger vs In-N-Out. The wider comparison is on Whataburger vs other burger chains.
Getting the taste at home
Whataburger's ketchups and sauces are sold in grocery stores, mainly H-E-B in Texas, and the company also sells condiments online. That is the closest you can get outside the 17 states.
More on Whataburger Spicy Ketchup.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a Whataburger in California?
No. Whataburger left California in 1987 and has no stores there today.
Is there a Whataburger in Chicago?
No, there is no Whataburger in Illinois. The closest are in Missouri.
Is there a Whataburger in New York?
No, none in New York or the Northeast. The closest are in North Carolina.
Can I buy Whataburger ketchup in California?
Whataburger sells its ketchups and sauces online as well as in Texas grocery stores like H-E-B.
Did Whataburger ever have stores in California?
Yes. It operated in California until it shut down operations there in 1987.
Who owns Whataburger?
BDT Capital Partners, a Chicago-based investment firm, bought a majority stake from the Dobson family in 2019.
Where is the closest Whataburger to Los Angeles?
The Las Vegas Strip store, or the Arizona stores.