Whataburger Expands with Three New Locations in Knoxville

News Summary

Whataburger is set to open three new restaurant locations in Knoxville, Tennessee, including sites in Powell, Cumberland Avenue, and Turkey Creek. The expansion aims to fulfill the demand from local residents for the popular Texan fast-food choice. The Turkey Creek location is currently under construction, while the Powell and Cumberland sites are being redesigned to enhance customer experience. This growth reflects Whataburger’s strategy to increase its presence outside Texas, with 23 existing locations in Tennessee serving to showcase their expanding footprint.

Whataburger Plans to Open Three Locations in Knoxville, Tennessee

The popular burger chain Whataburger is set to bring its signature style and flavors to Knoxville, Tennessee, with the opening of three new locations. As the demand for this beloved eatery has surged among residents, Whataburger aims to meet the needs of Knox County burger lovers by establishing restaurants in key areas of the city.

New Locations and Construction Details

The three new Whataburger locations will be positioned strategically in Powell, the Strip, and Turkey Creek. Construction at the Turkey Creek site is already underway as of July 18, 2024. This location will occupy a former Steak n’ Shake at 310 Wild Geese Road and will be redesigned to include a convenient drive-thru service, catering to the increasing demand for quick-service dining.

The Powell Whataburger will be located at 500 Emory Road, also on the site of a former Steak n’ Shake. This location plans to undergo a complete remodel that will feature a two-lane drive-thru, enhancing customer experience and reducing wait times.

Meanwhile, the third Whataburger will be at 1830 Cumberland Avenue, directly beneath student apartments and in close proximity to Raising Cane’s. This site will be dedicated to dine-in service only, offering students and locals a welcoming environment to enjoy their meals. Bidding for this location closed on March 20, 2024 and prior planning for the Cumberland Avenue and Emory Road locations started in October 2024.

Franchisee and Future Expansion Plans

MWB Restaurants is the franchisee overseeing the new Knoxville openings. Not only are they responsible for the Knoxville locations, but they are also planning additional Whataburger sites in nearby Chattanooga, as well as expansions into Alabama in cities like Golden, Jasper, and Owens Cross Roads.

Current Presence and Demand for Whataburger in Tennessee

Tennessee currently boasts a total of 23 Whataburger outlets, with the majority located in Clarksville (five), Memphis (six), and Nashville (12). The decision to expand into Knoxville comes after the chain received significant interest from local residents, evidenced by Knox News readers indicating it as one of the most-requested restaurant brands for 2024.

Residents who have longed to savor Whataburger’s offerings will not have to wait much longer, as the new locations are sure to provide much-needed accessibility. Currently, the closest Whataburger is located in Hermitage, which is approximately 169 miles away from Knoxville, making these new establishments highly anticipated.

Concluding Remarks

With the establishment of three Whataburger locations, Knoxville is set to become a new hub for fans of the chain. The drive-thru and dine-in options at these sites are expected to provide a delightful dining experience that caters to a variety of customers. As construction progresses and the openings draw nearer, many in Knoxville are preparing to welcome Whataburger with open arms, eager to enjoy the distinct flavors that the chain has to offer.

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Additional Resources

• Knox News: Whataburger Under Construction
• WBIR: Whataburger Planning Three Knoxville Locations
• WATE: Whataburger to Open Knoxville Location
• Southern Living: Whataburger Expansion
• WATE: Whataburger Planning First Knoxville Location
• Wikipedia: Whataburger
• Google Search: Whataburger
• Google Scholar: Whataburger
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Whataburger
• Google News: Whataburger