Bidding Farewell to a Friend

Whataburger Launches Support Group, Withdrawal Hotline for Customers Grieving Loss of Beloved Burger

SAN ANTONIO, TX, November 09, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Ah, the heartfelt pangs of sadness from those who will miss their Whataburger A.1. Thick & Hearty Burger.

Since 1998, Whataburger has heard from legions of loyal fans who have patiently awaited the annual return of one of the company's most popular limited availability burgers. And though some have petitioned Whataburger to keep the burger on menus permanently, the 'love' for the A.1. Thick & Hearty Burger has waned and so it is time to move on.

On December 21, the A.1. Thick and Hearty Burger will officially retire for good. The company anticipates fans of the burger will experience an intense period of grieving and withdrawal before being able to celebrate the burger's reign and ultimate farewell.

"We understand the Thick & Hearty Burger has a loyal following and there will be some disappointment and even sadness at the news. It's never easy to say goodbye to a good friend," said Todd Coerver, Whataburger Restaurants, LP Vice President of Marketing and Innovation. "That's why we have set up a Support Group to help with the grieving process."

Customers who feel pangs of sadness and crave tangy A.1. Thick & Hearty Steak Sauce are encouraged to call 1-877-A1SUPPORT (1-877-217-8776) or visit http://www.A1SupportGroup.com to commiserate with fellow A.1. lovers. The Web site has coping tips and fans can post their favorite videos, photos and memories of the burger. Support group members can also send customized, uplifting voicemails from the famous voice of Whataburger to friends.

A.1. Thick & Hearty Burger fans are also encouraged to console each other and pursue support groups at their nearest Whataburger location. They can also sign a farewell card at A1SupportGroup.com.

"Customers may experience denial, anger, maybe even depression, and we hope eventually acceptance when they hear the A.1. Thick & Hearty Burger is gone forever after December 21st," said Coerver. "We hope the diehard fans can find comfort in the support we are providing and one last opportunity to enjoy their favorite burger. And who knows, if we see an overwhelming response from customers to save it, we may reconsider."

The famously tasty burger has two sizzling hot patties of 100 percent American, fresh, never frozen beef, grilled onions, cheese and two slices of crispy bacon, topped with tangy A.1. Thick & Hearty Steak Sauce and served on Whataburger's signature freshly baked, five-inch toasted bun.

ABOUT WHATABURGER:
Whataburger has focused on its fresh, made-to-order burgers and friendly customer service since 1950 when Harmon Dobson opened the first Whataburger as a small roadside burger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas. Dobson gave his restaurant a name he hoped to hear customers say every time they took a bite of his made-to-order burgers: "What a burger!" Within the first week, people lined up around the block for his 25 cent, all-American beef burgers served on five-inch buns. Today, the company is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, with nearly 700 locations in 10 states with sales of more than $1 billion annually. Visit www.whataburger.com for more information on the company.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Suzanne Miller or Allison Yeaman
SPM Communications
(817) 329-3257
spm@spmcommunications.com
allison@spmcommunications.com

Natalie Silva
Corporate Communications
Whataburger Restaurants, LP
(210) 476-6547
nsilva@wbhq.com