caller.com:
Corpus Christi-based Whataburger bought out its largest franchise owner, acquiring 47 restaurants and bringing the number of corporate-owned outlets to almost 600.
The purchase of 47 restaurants belonging to Red Oak, Texas-based Barrand, Inc. was announced on Sept. 29. Of 712 Whataburger restaurants, Whataburger owns 591 with the rest owned by franchisees, said company spokeswoman Pam Cox.“Within (our) structure we have both corporate- and franchise-owned restaurants that help us grow our brands and we currently have no intention of changing that strategy,” Cox said. “Recently, Randal Brown expressed a desire to sell Barrand’s entire business in order to pursue other interests. At that point, we worked with him to buy the business so that we could ensure brand continuity and continue providing great customer service.
“Whataburger is still a family-owned company and our goal in acquiring the restaurants is to ensure brand continuity so that each of our customers is served the same made-to-order burgers that Harmon Dobson started serving in 1950,” Cox said. “It’s easier for a company that’s been doing it for 58 years to take over those restaurants rather than a new operator who’s still learning the business.”
Logo from Whataburger.