Asheville, NC – Texas-based burger chain Whataburger, known for its made-to-order burgers served in orange-and-white striped restaurants, is eyeing its first western North Carolina location.
Construction permits filed with the City of Asheville indicate the chain is planning their first Asheville location at 275 Smokey Park Highway. The former Popeyes location has been vacant since the chicken chain closed in late 2025.
Whataburger opened its first North Carolina restaurant in Gastonia in May 2025, marking the chain’s entry into its 17th state. After launching a dozen restaurants in its first year, the chain announced plans to open seven more North Carolina locations in 2026. Those sites have centered on the Charlotte metro area and the Piedmont region. If permitted and built, the Asheville location would mark the chain’s first push into the mountains of western North Carolina.
Whataburger has more than 1,100 restaurants and serves made-to-order burgers on five-inch toasted buns using fresh, never-frozen beef.
No opening date has been announced. The city’s permit review process must be completed before construction can begin.
