Whataburger Adds Sweet, Spice (and Everything Nice)

    SAN ANTONIO, TX, January 02, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Whataburger is getting bold in 2012 with its first limited-time ketchup offering. Starting today -- while supplies last - Spicy Ketchup will add a kick to Whataburger's condiment tray. Additionally, Whataburger's beloved Lemon Pie will be added to the dessert menu permanently.

Spicy Ketchup

The new Spicy Ketchup, to be served at all 730 locations across 10 states, was produced in a limited batch and is available only while supplies last. The base of the Spicy Ketchup recipe is Whataburger's original Fancy Ketchup, with a kick complementary of the red jalapeno. Served in Whataburger's convenient-for-dipping one-ounce tub, Spicy Ketchup is great on French fries, onion rings and hash browns, and can be substituted on any Whataburger or sandwich at no additional charge.

"Since we introduced our famous Fancy Ketchup in the 1970's, it has always been a customer favorite. We have sent hundreds of cases to troops overseas to satisfy a yearning for home, and it even has more than 10 customer-created Facebook fan pages with nearly 20,000 fans," said Whataburger Group Director of Marketing Rich Scheffler. "With that in mind, we wanted to create a twist on an old favorite especially for our customers who enjoy spicier foods. Whataburger Spicy Ketchup is just that - Fancy Ketchup with a kick."

Whataburger Facebook fans and Twitter followers have been anxiously awaiting Spicy Ketchup's arrival since they "heard it first" on the official Whataburger fan page Dec. 21. The initial Facebook post has received more than 3,500 "likes" and garnered nearly 500 comments, and the initial Twitter message created buzz among food bloggers. Upon hearing the news one Facebook fan noted that the new ketchup is "just going to make the best hamburger in the world better, and it will be awesome with the fries. Way to go Whataburger!" Another fan wrote, "My Christmas wish came true!"

On Dec. 23, the chain posted a survey on Facebook and Twitter asking fans to choose which Whataburger menu item first deserved a dip in Spicy Ketchup. The big winner? Whataburger's French fries, which brought in nearly 50 percent of the vote. Fans also thought the new Spicy Ketchup would be a great addition to chicken strips, hash browns or a Whataburger, and more than a hundred fans will put the new ketchup on everything. More than 600 Facebook fans responded to the survey.

Said one tweet: "And you thought @Whataburger ketchup couldn't get any better."

Lemon Pie

Whataburger will also make 2012 a little sweeter starting today, with the permanent addition of its Lemon Pie to the dessert menu. A fan favorite, Lemon Pie is the first new dessert item permanently added to Whataburger's menu since the Chocolate Chunk and Sugar cookies were added in 2009.

With its flaky crust and creamy filling, Lemon Pie has been a limited-time-only offering in the past, as have other seasonal pie varieties. Now fans can choose the sweet treat any time along with other permanent dessert options including the hot apple pie, milkshakes, malts, cinnamon rolls and fruit chews.

For nutritional information on Whataburger menu items, customers can visit www.whataburger.com.

ABOUT WHATABURGER: Visit www.whataburger.com for more information on the company. Become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/whataburger and follow the brand on Twitter @Whataburger.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Suzanne Miller or Tracy Aiello
SPM Communications
(817) 329-3257
[email protected]
[email protected]

Meredith Hargrove
Corporate Communications
Whataburger Restaurants, LP
(210) 476-6403
[email protected]

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