Whataburger pledges during grand opening to be a community partner

“This is your hometown Whataburger,” declared Kimberly Kannarr Tuesday during a ribbon-cutting event at the new Whataburger at 7:14 S. Madison St.

That statement by Kannarr, the company’s regional marketing director, was an indication that Whataburger plans to help out in the community with its Feeding Student Success program.

To demonstrate that commitment, she presented a $1,000 check to Webb City CARES director Jesse DeGonia and several board members.

As school is restarting, Kannar noted that the Feeding Student Success program includes free meals for students on Tuesdays (with the purchase of an adult meal).

LeeAnn Crider, executive director of the Webb City Area Chamber of Commerce, thanked Kannarr for “being so community minded.”

The lobby is decorated with Webb City High School uniforms.

Mayor Lynn Ragsdale thanked Whataburger for helping to stem the tide of cars going south to Joplin for things such as fast-food choices – and keeping sales-tax dollars here. “We want Webb City to provide everything people want” so they don’t have to go elsewhere, he said.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony began with the raising of the flag by the Webb City JROTC colorguard and Lydia Thieman singing the national anthem.

Kannarr introduced the Webb City Whataburger staff, including Addison Mischeaux, the operating manager, who is in charge of shift managers who keep the store open 24 hours.

She noted that “we don’t talk about employees. We talk about family members because we build families.”

Regarding the history of the 74-year-old company, she told of how the founder made a hamburger so big you have to hold it with two hands and called it Whataburger.