Century Whataburger Sold From Franchisee To Whataburger Company

October 2, 2008

The franchise owner of the Century Whataburger has been sold back to the family-owned Whataburger company.

Whataburger acquired its largest franchisee, Barrand, Inc. Barrand is a Texas based company with 47 Whataburger restauarants in the Florida Panhandle and Northeast Texas, including the store in Century that opened in mid-December.

These restaurants were operated by Barrand, Inc.’s owner and longtime Whataburger franchisee, Randal Brown. Whataburger Vice President of Franchise Development Clifton Rutledge will oversee the newly acquired restaurants, 24 in Northeast Texas and 23 in the Florida Panhandle. He will work with approximately 1,700 Barrand, Inc. team members to continue Whataburger’s 58-year burger tradition.

“Randal has been a part of our franchise system for 24 years. His restaurants are known for their friendly service, as community gathering places, and were consistently among the highest volume restaurants in the system.” Preston Atkinson, Whataburger President and COO, said. “This acquisition goes far beyond numbers for Whataburger. It is significant because it means we can ensure that our loyal customers continue to receive the friendly service and fresh, made-to-order food they’ve come to love at Whataburger.”

Brown became a Whataburger franchise operator in 1983, opened his first location in Desoto, Texas and demonstrated steady growth to 47 restaurants.

“I’ve enjoyed being a part of the Whataburger family and seeing this brand grow,” Brown said. “I know our restaurants will continue to be an important part of many Texas and Florida communities for years to come.”

Whataburger will now own 591 of 712 Whataburger restaurants, including 84% percent of all its locations in Florida, strengthening its position in the first state Whataburger expanded to outside of Texas.

Family-owned Whataburger has focused on its fresh, made-to-order burgers and friendly customer service since 1950, when company founder Harmon Dobson opened his first Whataburger restaurant in Corpus Christi. The small, wooden stand sold the enormous burgers for 25 cents each, and before the first week was out, lines stretched down the street.

Today, the company has more than 700 locations in 10 states with sales of more than $1 billion annually.

Pictured above: Whataburger in Century was among 47 stores sold from a franchise owner back to the Whataburger company. NorthEscambia.com file photo.

Comments

2 Responses to “Century Whataburger Sold From Franchisee To Whataburger Company”

  1. Beegee on October 6th, 2008 3:25 pm

    Probably so,John!!!

  2. John on October 2nd, 2008 4:34 pm

    2 slices of bacon instead of three on your burger now, and smaller portions of fries and hash browns……..

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News