Of the three planned Whataburger locations coming to the Ozarks, it appears ground will be broken in Republic first.
According to a news release, Whataburger representatives, Republic City Administrator David Cameron and the Republic Chamber of Commerce will hold a groundbreaking ceremony at 11 a.m. Tuesday at 1355 U.S. Highway 60 in Republic.
The Whataburger restaurant is scheduled to open later this year.
The Texas-based restaurant chain has planned to expand in the Springfield area for some time.
The other two locations will be built at 3880 W. Sunshine St., Springfield and
1851 Marler Lane, Ozark.
“The Republic location will be the first Whataburger restaurant to open in the Springfield area this year, with two others to follow in Ozark and Springfield,” Whataburger Senior Market Leader Mystery Sweet said in the release. “I want to extend an especially big thanks to the Republic Chamber of Commerce for welcoming Whataburger into the community so warmly as we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate today.”
In addition to breaking ground, Whataburger will announce plans for partnerships within the Springfield area communities that will be a part of Whataburger’s Feeding Student Success Program, which is dedicated to helping students achieve their dreams and goals while removing barriers to success.
“Republic is the right location for Whataburger, and the Republic community could not be more pleased about the company’s arrival,” Republic Mayor Matt Russell said in the release. “City officials and employees have the honor of being the first-ever residents in the market to get their hands on a signature Whataburger for an exclusive tasting at the groundbreaking. I can't wait to get a taste of what’s to come for our community.”
The company plans to hire more than 100 employees in each of the three locations opening this year. Earlier this year, the company said it would be recruiting a total of 660 employees. The company has not yet responded to a request for more information about recruiting.
“We’re proud to welcome the first Whataburger in the area to Republic and join them in celebrating the groundbreaking of their new restaurant,” Macy Mitchell, Executive Director of Republic Area Chamber of Commerce, said in the release. “Beyond their great food, we know Whataburger has earned a reputation as a great employer and community asset, and we couldn’t be happier to call them our new neighbors.”
