Gardner will soon be the latest city to welcome an eagerly anticipated, long-awaited Whataburger restaurant.
The new location will open Sept. 8 on the rapidly growing south side of Gardner.
In just a few years, the Plaza South development off Interstate 35 and Gardner Road has already gained a gas station, church, bank, restaurants and a car wash in just a few short years. Now, Whataburger is joining the momentum.
The Texas-based food chain continues to expand in Johnson County after exploding throughout both sides of the Kansas City metro. Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes first introduced the restaurant to the area.
Mahomes shared his love for Whataburger when he tweeted in 2018 that he wanted a Kansas City location.
KMO Burger, a franchise group based in Kansas City, Kansas that includes Chiefs quarterback Mahomes, operates the Kansas City based locations.
“KMO Burger is working diligently to bring Whataburger’s bold, fresh flavors and high levels of community engagement to Gardner,” Jay Battle, Chief Operating Officer, said.
The city’s first Whataburger is located at 18759 S. Gardner Rd on the northeastern corner of 188th St. and Gardner Rd. catty corner from a QuikTrip and a Culvers restaurant that opened in Spring 2024. The Groundhouse Coffee and Bakery drive-thru location across 188th St closed last month. The City of Gardner’s planning commission approved construction for a new Wendy’s restaurant on the northwest corner of Gardner Rd. in May.
“We are thrilled to welcome Whataburger to the Gardner community, bringing another dining option for residents and visitors to enjoy,” Jim Pruetting, Gardner City Administrator, said. “It is an honor to have such a well-respected chain invest here, reflecting our community’s continued growth and vibrancy.”
Whataburger serves burgers 24/7
The fast-casual restaurant is known for its burgers from traditional cheeseburgers to sweet and spicy bacon burgers.
Chicken sandwiches, salads, French fries, and milkshakes are also served.
Breakfast items like honey butter chicken sandwiches, pancakes, breakfast burritos and breakfast burgers are served from 11 p.m. to 11 a.m. every day.
All meals are hot, fresh and made-to-order, and Battle told the Post they are served with “pride, care and love”.
Most locations operate 24 hours a day.
The new Gardner Whataburger will be Johnson County’s sixth location. The first one opened in March 2022 in Overland Park, and three more have opened in Overland Park since then, followed by a fourth location in Olathe.
Hiring managers recently held a booth at a community job fair at Grace Baptist Church and were continuing to conduct interviews on site on Monday. Company representatives said they hire as young as 15 years old.
Keep reading other food and drink news: Coffee chain Dutch Bros breaks ground on Prairiefire shop in Overland Park
