Quick Overview

  • Refuel Operating Company plans to open its first Whataburger location adjacent to its convenience store, the retailer's co-founder and co-CEO Travis Smith confirmed to C-Store Dive.
  • The Whataburger is expected to open in late 2026, located next to an upcoming Refuel convenience store in Kenedy, Texas, about 60 miles southeast of San Antonio. According to a statement from Refuel's Vice President of Development and Construction Colleen Barrett, the location will offer Whataburger's full menu and feature a drive-thru.
  • Barrett said Refuel continues to expand its portfolio of quick-service restaurant brands, currently operating more than 30 fast-food locations adjacent to its convenience stores, including Church's Chicken, Dairy Queen, Subway, McDonald's, and Pollo El Rey.

In-Depth Analysis

Refuel currently owns and operates more than 240 convenience stores in South Carolina, North Carolina, Texas, Mississippi, and Arkansas. The company is leveraging quick-service restaurant brands to boost traffic at its locations and continues to expand its retail network. As foodservice increasingly becomes a focus in the convenience store industry, operators are rapidly introducing fast-food brands to transform their stores into more food-oriented destinations.

Barrett said the Whataburger in Kenedy will complement the adjacent Refuel convenience store, which will continue to offer in-store hot grab-and-go meals, merchandise, beverages, and fuel services.

"The combination is designed to drive traffic, increase dwell time, and provide customers with a more comprehensive convenience experience," Barrett added.

The announcement of the first Whataburger continues Refuel's aggressive push into foodservice over the past year. The retailer launched its grab-and-go meal program EATS last April and appointed a vice president of foodservice and a director of food strategy in the months that followed.

Refuel is not the only convenience store operator showing interest in Texas-based Whataburger. Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores is also moving forward with its first Whataburger location, which is expected to open on May 4 in San Antonio.