Whataburger’s Gardner Location Debuts in September With Classic Burgers and Drive-Thru Charm
GARDNER, KS — Fast food lovers on Gardner’s south side will soon have a new favorite stop. Whataburger is officially opening a brand-new location next month near the corner of East Santa Fe Street and Moonlight Road, bringing the Texas-based chain’s signature burgers, fries, and iconic orange-and-white stripes to Johnson County.
What’s New at Whataburger Gardner
The upcoming Whataburger will be located at 971 E. Santa Fe St., part of a growing commercial corridor that has seen multiple new developments in recent years. The site has been under construction since earlier this summer and is expected to officially open in early to mid-September, according to local officials.
The new restaurant will feature drive-thru service, dine-in seating, and mobile ordering through the Whataburger app, making it a convenient spot for both commuters and families. It will operate 24/7 — a signature of Whataburger’s round-the-clock approach to service.
This Gardner expansion is part of Whataburger’s broader push into Kansas and Missouri, where the brand has been rapidly opening locations outside its Texas stronghold. Recent openings in Overland Park and Lee’s Summit have drawn significant crowds — and long drive-thru lines — hinting at the excitement Gardner can expect next month.
Inside the Menu and Experience
At the Gardner Whataburger, locals can expect the full menu of fan-favorites, including:
- The Whataburger — a simple, classic 5-inch burger dressed to order
- Patty Melt — two all-beef patties with grilled onions, Monterey Jack, and creamy pepper sauce
- Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit — a breakfast must-have
- Thick-cut fries, milkshakes, and Dr Pepper shakes
Inside, the space will feature bright orange seating, a clean open kitchen, and subtle nods to the chain’s 1950 founding roots. There will be digital ordering kiosks and dedicated pickup areas for mobile and delivery orders.
As someone who’s spent more than a few late nights chasing good burgers, Whataburger hits a nostalgic note for me. Their honey butter chicken biscuit is hands-down the best morning-after fuel — and I’m curious to see if Gardner embraces the midnight burger run as passionately as Texas does.
Community Buzz and What’s Next
Excitement is already building online. A Gardner community Facebook group thread about the Whataburger construction drew dozens of comments, with locals eagerly speculating on the opening date. One commenter wrote, “My kids are already planning our first family dinner there — this is huge for our side of town!”
Whataburger has not yet announced any grand opening event, but if the pattern holds from previous locations, Gardner could see swag giveaways, T-shirt contests, and even free burgers for a year raffles.
Looking ahead, Whataburger has plans to open more Kansas locations through the end of 2025 — with Olathe, Wichita, and additional Kansas City metro spots in the works. The Gardner store is expected to hire dozens of team members, adding a small boost to the local job market.
Planning to stop by when Whataburger opens in Gardner? Share your favorite item — or your first experience with the brand — in the comments below. For more local food openings across Kansas and Missouri, follow along at CityScoopNow.com.