Whataburger and KMO Burgers, LLC Deepen Partnership With New Joint Venture

Whataburger and KMO Burger, LLC Announce Joint Venture to Strengthen Presence in Missouri and Kansas

SAN ANTONIO, May 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Whataburger is proud to announce a new joint venture with longtime franchise partner and investment group KMO Burger, LLC, marking a significant step forward in the brand's continued growth across the Midwest.

As part of this joint venture, Whataburger will contribute its 16 company-owned restaurants in the Kansas City and Springfield, Missouri markets, while KMO Burger, LLC will contribute its 13 existing restaurants. KMO Burger, LLC will own and operate all 29 locations under the Whataburger brand.

"This partnership reflects the strength of our franchise model and the incredible trust we place in our partners," said Debbie Stroud, Whataburger President and CEO. "KMO Burger, LLC has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the communities they serve and to the heart of the Whataburger experience — amazing food, exceptional service, and a welcoming atmosphere. We're confident this joint venture will only deepen our connection with our fans in Kansas and Missouri."

All Whataburger Restaurants LLC employees currently working as restaurant staff at these locations will transition to become employees of KMO Burger, LLC. A dedicated cross-functional team is in place to ensure the transition is supported with the resources, information and care needed throughout the process.

KMO Burger, LLC will assume operations for all 29 restaurants following the completion of the transaction. The growing investment group continues to embrace Whataburger's Vision, Mission, and Promise — a testament to the strength of the partnership and the shared commitment to delivering bold flavors and memorable moments.

"As a longtime fan and investor, I'm thrilled to take this next step with Whataburger. The brand means a lot to me — not just for the food, but for how it brings people together. Our team at KMO Burger is ready to keep raising the bar," said Patrick Mahomes, NFL Quarterback and part-owner of KMO Burger, LCC. "I'm proud to be part of a team that's focused on both growth and community."

The corporate restaurant locations that are transitioning as a part of this joint venture are:

• 1460 NE Douglas St, Lees Summit, MO
• 8420 W 135^th St., Overland Park, KS
• 18902 E US Highway 40, Independence, MO
• 905 Highway 7, Blue Springs, MO
• 1851 W Marler Lane, Ozark, MO
• 3880 W Sunshine St, Springfield MO
• 1921 W Foxwood Dr., Raymore, MO
• 204 SW Highway 150, Lees Summit, MO
• 2337 N Glenstone Ave, Springfield, MO
• 9505 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS
• 401 N Eastgate Ave, Springfield, MO
• 1371 US Highway 60 E, Republic, MO
• 2014 S Rangeline Rd, Joplin, MO
• 1705 N State Route 291, Harrisonville, MO
• 714 S Madison St, Webb City, MO
• 1710, 600 W Main St, Branson, MO

About Whataburger®:
Whataburger serves up Goodness 24/7 with a made-to-order, customizable menu of burgers and other favorites delivered just like you like it. Born in Texas and headquartered in San Antonio, we're celebrating 75 flavorful years of big bites, bold flavors, and even bigger fan love. We've grown to over 1,100 restaurants across 16 states, with original-recipe products now found in grocery aisles across the country. Our secret sauce (besides that Fancy Ketchup) is our Family Members—real people serving up real hospitality and meaningful connections in the communities we call home. We've landed on Fast Company's Brands that Matter list, USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, and Newsweek's America's Best of the Best. To learn more, shop the Whatastore, or find your nearest location, visit Whataburger.com—or download our app on iOS or Android. Hungry for more? Discover what keeps fans coming back by diving into real stories from Whataburger super fans at stories.whataburger.com.

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SOURCE Whataburger