Whataburger Acquires Largest Franchisee

Chain Leader:

Family-owned Whataburger today announced the acquisition of its largest franchisee, Barrand, Inc., a Red Oak, Texas-based company with 47 Whataburger restaurants in Northeast Texas and the Florida Panhandle.

These restaurants were operated by Barrand, Inc.’s owner and longtime Whataburger franchisee, Randal Brown. Whataburger Vice President of Franchise Development Clifton Rutledge will oversee the newly acquired restaurants, 24 in Northeast Texas and 23 in the Florida Panhandle, and work with approximately 1,700 Barrand, Inc. team members to continue Whataburger’s 58-year burger tradition.

“Randal has been a part of our franchise system for 24 years. His restaurants are known for their friendly service, as community gathering places, and were consistently among the highest volume restaurants in the system,” Preston Atkinson, Whataburger President and COO, said. “This acquisition goes far beyond numbers for Whataburger. It is significant because it means we can ensure that our loyal customers continue to receive the friendly service and fresh, made-to-order food they’ve come to love at Whataburger.”

Mr. Brown became a Whataburger franchisee in 1983, opened his first location in Desoto, Texas and demonstrated steady growth to 47 restaurants.