Whataburger Names New President

Whataburger Chairman and CEO Tom Dobson announces today the promotion of COO and Executive Vice President Preston Atkinson to President of the family-owned burger chain which got its start here in 1950. In addition to his new title as President, Mr. Atkinson retains his title of Chief Operating Officer.

'We continue to grow successfully and in a manner true to our culture and the legacy that was entrusted to us by my parents - Harmon and Grace Dobson,' says Mr. Dobson. 'People, food and culture are paramount as we look to the future and Preston understands the important balance of honoring our past as we grow.'

Mr. Atkinson has served Whataburger in several positions since 1998, when he formally joined the company. Prior to that time he built restaurants for Whataburger as President and Owner of Atkinson and Associates Builders.

Mr. Dobson hand picked Atkinson to join the company as Vice President of Construction, and in 2001, Mr. Atkinson was promoted to Chief Development Officer followed by a promotion to Executive Vice President and COO in 2005.

'I am honored and humbled by the Dobson family's decision,' says Mr. Atkinson. 'My continuing focus is to preserve a legacy that now includes the well-being of more than 18,000 Whataburger team members and our many loyal customers. With the support of the Dobson family and the 'team' approach this entire company has embraced, I look toward our future with great optimism and gratitude.'

Family-owned Whataburger was founded by Harmon Dobson in Corpus Christi in 1950 and has marked its 54th consecutive quarter of same store sales increases. Currently, there are nearly 700 restaurants in 10 states since its start as a single roadside burger stand.



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