A Whataburger spokesperson confirmed to MySA on Wednesday, October 14 that its location at 3201 Bee Caves Road, Suite 180, Austin, TX 78746 closed following a “business review” and routine evaluation of restaurants “to maximize opportunities for growth and keep Whataburger strong in the communities we serve.”
The digital kitchen model was presented as a restaurant where guests would order ahead online or via the Whataburger app before arriving and picking up orders in the “digital pick-up lane.” At the time of its opening in September 2023, the location didn’t feature a typical seating area or curbside pickup and drive-thru services.
“In a few cases that means closing restaurants,” the spokesperson wrote in an email to MySA, adding: “This decision helps focus our efforts where we can make the biggest impact, ensuring our Guests continue to enjoy the high-quality, delicious food and genuine hospitality they’ve come to expect from Whataburger.”
Officials added Whataburger’s Bee Caves Road location was the only one in the business’ portfolio to feature the digital kitchen concept.
Over on the Austin food subreddit, Central Texas foodies noted their lack of surprise surrounding the closure, with user @maggies_farm_hand writing: “It’s almost like a soulless ghost kitchen experience can’t replace the magic of a [Breakfast on a Bun] after a long night of drinking.”
The Texas capital is home to approximately 20 Whataburger locations, per the company’s locations page. Elsewhere, Whataburger continues to pour plenty of love into its home state, with Texas featuring approximately 785 Whataburger restaurants, per September data from ScrapeHero.
