The news is out, and many Texans are voicing their concerns, including some high profile Texans. Announcing on Friday, June 14, 2019, that the Chicago-based BDT Capital Partners, LLC was purchasing a majority share of its company, Whataburger stunned its Texas fans and followers, causing many to take to social media over fears that their beloved franchise would undergo some unwanted changes. J.J. Watt, of Houston Texans fame, was among them.
“Ok, I say we all chip in and buy Whataburger back. Make honey butter chicken biscuits available all day, add kolaches to the menu and change nothing else. Especially not the ketchup,” Watt tweeted. And his sentiments were clearly shared… several times, in fact. His post was retweeted more than 27,000 times and was liked by over 106,000.
Photo: Facebook/Whataburger
Throughout social media there were posts reflecting that which Watt had noted, that Texas has a true love of Whataburger and everything it stands for. One individual even went to the extent of starting a GoFundMe campaign (although, obviously for the impact/laugh factor…maybe?). The idea that the sale of a majority stake in something as Texan as this fast food chain being sold to someone, well, not from Texas, was stunning, to say the least.
Photo: Facebook/Whataburger Via @jayciekathleen
On May 23, 2019, we reported that Whataburger was investigating the potential for sale and expansion outside of the state. “The best outcome in this instance is that Whataburger attracts the right investors to allow for an expansion that would maintain the chain’s solid Texas footprint while giving it the freedom to grow throughout the nation… This will ensure the quality of their food products never declines and the spirit of the grassroots Whataburger fan continues—as witnessed in the enormous pride they take in expressing their love,” the post stated. It seems that some fans of the fast food chain are making their opinion known loud and clear. Does the sale of the lion’s share of this company mean a Whatapocolypse is coming? Watt seems to think so, and so do many of his fans.
