The burger wars are officially heating up in the South as Whataburger, the Texas-based chain that fans swear is “10 times better than In-N-Out”, is making its long-awaited debut in North Carolina with 10 new locations launching across the state.
The first opens May 29 in Gastonia, and locals are already gearing up to get their hands on that iconic spicy ketchup and big Texas-style burgers.
This expansion has been years in the making. Zoning records from as far back as 2022 hinted at Whataburger’s plans to break into the Carolinas, and now it’s finally happening. For many, it’s not just about burgers, it’s about finally getting a taste of a cult favorite that, until recently, was only available in Texas and a few lucky Southern states.
The first restaurant is located at 3415 East Franklin Boulevard, Gastonia, and opens its doors at 9 a.m. on May 29, 2025. From there, Whataburger plans to open nine more stores across key cities in North Carolina, including Charlotte, Hickory, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point, and more.
According to Debbie Stroud, Whataburger’s president and CEO:
“For 75 years, Whataburger has grown from a single burger stand into a brand folks love across the country, but our heart has always stayed right where it belongs: in local communities just like Gastonia.”
Consumer Anticipation Reaches Fever Pitch
Fans across the Carolinas have been buzzing. On May 4, one Facebook foodie wrote:
“Just tried Whataburger for the first time; they’re 10 times better than In-N-Out Burger.”
This bold declaration quickly went viral, triggering heated debates in the comments. While some called it blasphemy, others were on board, with replies like
“Now we can continue to be friends.”
“No way. Now you’re just trying to start arguments.”
One more measured fan summed up the sentiment perfectly:
“Whataburger is only good in Texas. In-N-Out is absolutely fire burger-wise.”
Whether you’re team In-N-Out or team Whataburger, the burger battleground just got real in North Carolina, and the timing couldn’t be juicier.
Where to Find Whataburger in North Carolina
Here’s the full rollout schedule for Whataburger’s NC invasion. These are the confirmed cities and tentative opening timelines:
| City | Opening Timeline |
|---|---|
| Gastonia | May 29, 2025 @ 9 a.m. |
| Hickory | June 2025 |
| Charlotte | Summer 2025 |
| Indian Land | Summer 2025 |
| Greensboro | Summer 2025 |
| Winston-Salem | Late Summer 2025 |
| Archdale | Fall 2025 |
| High Point | Fall 2025 |
| Kernersville | 2025 (exact date TBD) |
| Mooresville | 2025 (exact date TBD) |
Half of the new restaurants will center around the Charlotte area, which has been a long-requested market.
Whataburger is already operating stores in South Carolina, including Columbia, Greenville, and Spartanburg, but this NC expansion takes things to the next level.
With over 700 locations in Texas alone, Whataburger has built a reputation for its massive menu, fresh grilled-to-order burgers, and loyal fan base. And now, North Carolinians finally get to judge for themselves.
From zoning permits in 2022 to the long lines expected on May 29, the hype is real, and the burgers are coming in hot. Whether you’re in Gastonia or Greensboro, it won’t be long before you’re asking for spicy ketchup and a patty melt with extra cheese.
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