San Antonio-based Whataburger bringing back discontinued menu items for 75th anniversary

On August 8, 1950, entrepreneurs Harmon Dobson and Paul Burton sold their first Whataburger order at a tiny stand on 2609 Ayers St. in Corpus Christi. 

The fruition of that dream featured a revolutionary concept for the time — a 5-inch hamburger bun. The bun size was such a rarity that Dobson and Burton had to scour the country for a bakery with pans large enough to meet demand. They sold their Whataburgers, complete with those larger buns and a quarter-pound burger patty, for 25 cents a pop.

Seventy-five years later and with nearly 700 locations nationwide, that original concept remains a cherished Texas tradition. To commemorate its monumental anniversary, the San Antonio-based chain will bring back two fan-favorite menu items for a limited time only, starting Tuesday, Jan. 7.

First up? The Monterey Melt, a sando last seen in 2022. The revived menu item features a double-patty burger topped off with Monterey Jack and American cheeses, grilled onions, peppers and a hearty drizzle of Whataburger’s signature jalapeno-ranch sauce.

The second item scheduled for a return is Whataburger’s Chicken Fajita Taco. The chain’s take on the South Texas classic cradles grilled chicken breast, seared onions, poblano peppers and red peppers in a flour tortilla.

Guests in need of a caffeine fix also will be able to enjoy a brand new flavor addition to Whataburger’s coffee selection — Mexican hot chocolate. Additionally, the flavor will be available as a milkshake.

The Mexican hot chocolate options will also be available for a limited-time starting Jan. 7.

In addition to the menu drops, the first-ever 24-piece Wrangler X Whataburger fashion collection is slated to debut this April at select retailers nationwide and through the brand’s online Whatastore.

Whataburger officials urge fans to keep their eyes on the chain’s social media channels for upcoming giveaways, deals and more throughout its 75th anniversary celebration.  

Subscribe to SA Current newsletters.

Follow us: Apple News | Google News | NewsBreak | Reddit | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter| Or sign up for our RSS Feed

The Texas-based chain restaurants that are actually good

Related Stories

San Antonio-based Whataburger’s new CEO has Starbucks, McDonald’s background

Current CEO Ed Nelson will step down at year’s end, allowing Debbie Stroud, who joined in 2023, to take the top slot.

San Antonio Spurs fans worked up over Whataburger’s NBA tweet

After the Alamo City-based company mentioned two other hoops teams but not Wembanyama’s Rookie of the Year win, some fans called for a boycott.

Knock-offs of San Antonio and Texas retail brands keep popping up in Mexico

BUK-II’s, Guataburger and Ei-Chi-Bi have all popped up across the border from the South Texas city of Brownsville.

San Antonio-based Whataburger creating art museum pop-up for Austin’s SXSW festival

The South Texas burger institution will show off digital displays and fan-created artwork along with offering an exclusive item for collectors.

After 4-year absence San Antonio-based Whataburger bringing back its Pico de Gallo Burger

The specialty sando is one of several bygone items the chain has returned to menus as part of its 75th-anniversary celebration.

San Antonio-based fast-food chain Whataburger launching first-ever line of craft beverages

The new menu drop is part of the South Texas burger institution’s 75th anniversary celebration.

San Antonio-based Whataburger to sell 75-cent burgers for one day only in August

The deep discount will mark the South Texas burger chain’s 75th anniversary.

This article appears in Dec 26, 2024 – Jan 1, 2025.