Whataburger has recruited former McDonald’s executive Todd Ewen to help fast-track its continuing growth.

The US fast-food chain confirmed Ewen would be taking on the role as senior vice president and chief development officer on March 24.

‘I look forward to helping the leadership team reach the important growth goals they’ve spelled out,’ Ewen said.

Whataburger is understood to have poached the US-born Ewen, who has 20 years of experience, to help continue its successful nationwide expansion.

‘We plan to bring Honey Butter Biscuits and great hospitality to more than 24 million new customers this year,’ said Whataburger Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer Alexander Ivannikov.

‘Todd’s deep understanding of real estate in the quick service restaurant industry will be integral in helping Whataburger execute our growth strategy, bringing delicious food and a great experience to new markets and new fans.’

With this new role, Ewen will be going from working with the world’s biggest burger chain to the top 100 largest in the US.

The Golden arches has 14,000 locations in the US alone, compared to just over 1,000 Whataburger restaurants.

Whataburger appointed former McDonald’s executive Todd Ewen as senior vice president and chief development officer

Ewen will be using his new role to lead Whataburger’s growth strategy following its massive US expansion

The Texas-based chain is working on its five-year growth plan, which president and CEO Debbie Stroud confirmed they review ‘every year.’ 

Stroud explained the review helps them decide where they can have the best impact. 

Part of its strategy is to continue expanding, and plans to open restaurants in North Carolina this year.

‘For North Carolina specifically, this year it’s the Charlotte and surrounding areas, next year it will be Raleigh and surrounding areas,’ Stroud told QSR.

The Texas-based chain has already expanded to six additional states, including Florida and Georgia.

It is also preparing to open another location in San Antonio, Texas, through a partnership with Love’s Travel Shops.

Whataburger has not revealed its 2025 sales outlook, but it made over $4 billion in revenue last year.

Stroud noted the company is planning to expand to other states in the future, but that fans will have to ‘stay tuned.’  

As of 2024, Whataburger is operating over 1,000 restaurants, and plans to open more locations this year

Ewen began his career as a commercial real estate officer with US Bank Corporation in 2000.

He was named a McDonald’s regional real estate manager in 2009, and became its development director in 2013.

The executive left the fast-food chain in 2016, and founded L3 Commercial Development in Raleigh, North Carolina a year later.

During those years, he led more than $300 million in lease and purchase transactions and networked with other brokers, developers, and investors.

Ewen thanked the ‘incredible people’ he’s worked with, adding that he knew Whataburger was ‘something special’ in a post on LinkedIn.

The former McDonald’s employee, who’s based in North Carolina, confirmed he would be moving to San Antonio.

Ewen served as McDonald’s development director from 2013 to 2016

Besides the expansion, Whataburger is celebrating its 75th birthday with various offers.

One of its menu additions was the Monterey Melt, which the chain claimed was a highly requested item on Instagram and Reddit.

Whataburger also began offering Mexican Hot Chocolate Coffee and the Mexican Hot Chocolate Shake.

Other features the chain launched to celebrate its birthday include a new ‘digital home’ and announced a collaboration with popular apparel brand Wrangler.

The company plans to offer a variety of other deals and contests leading up to its birthday on August 8.