Whataburger Expands Presence in the Carolinas While Enhancing Fan Experience and Community Engagement
SAN ANTONIO, T.X. (August 25, 2025) – Whataburger today announced a multi-year partnership designating Whataburger as a Proud Partner of both the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC.
The agreement unites two powerhouse sports franchises and a 75-year-old iconic burger chain to fuel unforgettable fan moments and drive real impact in communities across the Carolinas.
As part of the partnership, Whataburger will have a strong presence at Bank of America Stadium, with in-stadium activations designed to enhance the game-day atmosphere for both Panthers and Charlotte FC fans. On September 21, Panthers fans will enjoy a first taste of the collaboration when the Whataburger Food Truck rolls up to the stadium, serving complimentary Patty Melts and Prickly Pear Raspberry Whatafreshers.
Beyond game day, Whataburger is committed to year-round support of youth and community programs. Whataburger will serve as the presenting partner of the Panthers Girls Flag Football program, the team’s annual community service event, and will support Charlotte FC’s community engagement initiatives.
“Sports in the Carolinas are all about tradition, passion, and pride—three things that Whataburger fans know a whole lot about,” said Scott Hudler, Chief Marketing Officer at Whataburger. “This multi-year partnership with both the Panthers and Charlotte FC allows us to deepen our connection, serve fans in new ways, and invest in programs that create real impact for the people of the Carolinas.”
"This partnership presents a unique opportunity to unite the passionate fan bases of the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC with Whataburger's brand loyalty and community-driven values," said Eric Sudol, Chief Revenue Officer at Tepper Sports & Entertainment. "Together, we're going to be able to offer something fresh and meaningful for fans across the Carolinas.”
The agreement also includes hospitality opportunities, fan engagement moments, and appearances from beloved team mascots—including the Panthers’ Sir Purr and Charlotte FC’s Sir Minty —at select Whataburger restaurants across the Carolinas.
The collaboration reinforces Whataburger’s commitment to the Carolinas and its strong, growing brand presence. Over the past two years, the company has opened more than a dozen new restaurants across North and South Carolina, with many more in development. This expansion reflects a significant investment in the community and a dedication to delivering bold flavor to fans just the way they like it. That commitment has also been demonstrated through sponsorship of last year’s hurricane disaster relief event, Concert For Carolina, partnerships with local organizations, and a unique collaboration with North Carolina-based Wrangler—who has joined in celebrating multiple grand opening events across the state. Whether on the field, on the pitch, or in the community, Whataburger continues to deepen its ties and expand its impact across the Carolinas.
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 17 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.
About the Carolina PanthersThe Carolina Panthers became the 29th National Football League franchise on October 26, 1993. Led by David and Nicole Tepper, the Panthers played their inaugural season in 1995, winning an expansion team record seven games. In 30 seasons, the Panthers have won six division titles, including three consecutive NFC South division titles from 2013-15. The Panthers have played in 17 playoff games, winning two NFC Championship titles and appearing in Super Bowl XXXVIII and Super Bowl 50. The Panthers play their home games at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. For more information, visit www.panthers.com.
About Charlotte FC
Charlotte Football Club is a Major League Soccer Club in the Carolinas. The Club’s mission is to be a unifying force that is bigger than one city and encourage a sense of belonging through a progressive, collective, and ambitious approach that guides efforts on and off the pitch. CLTFC is committed to driving growth through the sport and community outreach. Charlotte FC is owned by David Tepper and is a part of Tepper Sports & Entertainment, which also includes Bank of America Stadium and the Carolina Panthers. For more information, visit CharlotteFootballClub.com.
