News Summary
Whataburger has opened its fifth location at 4456 Devine St., Columbia, providing Central Savannah River Area residents access to the popular fast-food chain. This new site enhances convenience for Whataburger lovers, situated about 53 minutes from Augusta’s Lexington locations. Although there’s no current plan for an Augusta franchise, Whataburger aims to expand significantly in the Southeastern U.S., indicating a strong market interest. Meanwhile, the local community has shown enthusiasm for the new site, hinting at a growing demand in the region.
Columbia, SC – A new Whataburger location opened its doors at 4456 Devine St. on Thursday at 9:30 a.m., marking the fifth restaurant of the popular fast-food chain accessible from the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA). This expansion provides residents in the CSRA with convenient access to the iconic burger chain famous for its variety of burgers and 24-hour service.
The newly opened restaurant in Columbia contributes to an increased ease of access for Whataburger enthusiasts in the area, situated approximately 53 minutes from Augusta at its Lexington, SC locations. Specifically, the two Lexington sites include one at 888 S. Lake Drive and another at 5440 Platt Springs Road, the latter operating 24 hours a day except on Christmas Day. Additionally, there is another Whataburger location in Irmo, SC, located at 1185 Dutch Fork Road.
Despite the chain’s recent growth in the Southeast, there are no immediate plans for a location in Augusta. The closest Whataburger restaurants in Georgia are located in Eatonton and Covington, both requiring over an hour and a half drive. The chain’s expansion in the metro Atlanta area is noteworthy, with intentions to open up to 50 new locations in the coming years, suggesting a committed strategy to increase its presence in the Southeastern U.S.
Whataburger originated in Corpus Christi, Texas, in 1950, establishing itself primarily in the central regions of the country until it began its eastward expansion. This shift reflects a strategy to tap into a growing market of burger lovers in states such as South Carolina and Georgia. Recent openings, including the new site in Columbia, underscore this trend, even as Augusta remains without a franchise location.
Locals have exhibited significant interest in the new Whataburger locations, evidenced by some customers camping out for the grand opening of the Irmo branch. This enthusiasm indicates a strong desire for the brand’s offerings within the community.
It is important to clarify that Whataburger should not be confused with the similarly named chain What-A-Burger, which has been involved in legal disputes with Whataburger over naming rights. A historical note for residents of Augusta indicates that the local burger restaurant What-A-Burger, which operated for many years serving smash burgers, has long been unrelated to the current chain and has since rebranded to Olde Time Burgers.
As part of its expansion strategy, Whataburger has plans for an additional location at 202 Bridgeberry Lane in Columbia. This is part of the company’s ongoing drive to enhance its reach within the region and meet the growing demand from local communities.
Throughout its history, Whataburger has integrated itself into the fabric of communities across the U.S. The current CEO, Ed Nelson, hails from South Carolina, further establishing a connection to the expanding operations in the southeastern part of the country.
To summarize, the addition of the new Whataburger location in Columbia enhances access for residents of the CSRA seeking this fast-food option, even as the quest for a franchise in Augusta continues. The commitment of Whataburger to expand in this region signifies the potential for growth and the increasing popularity of burger chains in the southeastern market.
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: Whataburger Opens Another SC Location Not Far Augusta
- Wikipedia: Whataburger
- WRDW: Augusta Now Has 2 Whataburgers Easy Driving Distance
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fast Food
- Augusta Chronicle: Texas Burger Chain Moving Even Closer to Augusta
- Google Search: Whataburger
- WRDW: New Whataburger Opens Just Short Drive Augusta
- Google News: Whataburger Augusta
- WRDW: Freddy’s Frozen Custard Postpones Opening 2nd CSRA Location
- Google Scholar: Fast Food Chains
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
