Lawrence’s first Whataburger opened its doors on Oct. 28, following a long-discussed construction period. The Texas-based fast-food chain was first rumored to build a Lawrence location in April 2023.

Located on 23rd Street near Pet World, many customers are lining up to get their first taste of the Whataburger experience.

“I would give my experience an eight out of 10 because I did try something new, I’m a picky eater, and I got the patty melt and I really liked it, and I mean it was good,” Maritzah Welton, a customer at Whataburger, said.

Students on KU’s campus seem pretty excited to try the fast-food joint for the first time.

“I’m not from Kansas, I’m from the West Coast so I’ve never had it, but I’ve heard it’s pretty good so I’m excited for it,” Rocco Competelli, a freshman at KU, said.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, originally from Texas, helped bring Whataburger to the Kansas City area as an investor.

KMO Burger, the franchise group Mahomes is a part of that has brought Whataburger to KC, is the franchise owner of Whataburger’s Lawrence location.