Whataburger has officially planted its flag in Franklin, debuting its first local restaurant Tuesday in the heart of the Cool Springs retail strip at 3075 Mallory Lane. Doors opened at 11 a.m. sharp, with staff welcoming early birds to both the drive-thru and the lobby as the Texas-based chain continued its steady push across Middle Tennessee.
The City of Franklin shared video of the ribbon-cutting and opening morning, according to City of Franklin. The clip shows staff slicing through the ceremonial ribbon and greeting the first guests as a line forms outside, with the city touting the restaurant as one more dining choice for the booming Cool Springs area.
Grand opening giveaways and first customers
Whataburger lined up a slate of opening-day perks for early arrivals, including a ribbon-cutting, swag bags, and a giveaway of free Whataburger for a year to the first three customers, according to Williamson Source. The outlet reported that many guests also picked up a Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit while supplies lasted. "Our team is excited to introduce Whataburger’s bold, made-to-order favorites to the Franklin community," the operating partner said in the announcement.
Where it sits and what went into the build
The new restaurant fills a roughly 3,300-square-foot freestanding building next to the Chuck E. Cheese on Mallory Lane. City permit filings and local reporting put the buildout at about $1.5 million for the site, according to What Now Nashville. The project had been in the works since permits surfaced over the summer, with construction progressing through late 2025 and early 2026. The location drops Whataburger into a heavily traveled shopping corridor that caters to both office workers and families in Cool Springs.
Jobs, hours and the chain’s Tennessee presence
Whataburger’s own locations page lists the Franklin spot as Unit 1553 at 3075 Mallory Lane and includes the local phone number and service options, confirming the chain’s official arrival in the city. The same page also highlights the nearby Brentwood restaurant that opened last year, underscoring Whataburger’s growing footprint in Williamson County. Local hiring notices for Unit 1553 show that the opening brought dozens of customer-service and kitchen jobs to town.
As Cool Springs continues to pack in offices and retailers, Whataburger adds another late-night and weekend option for residents and workers who want a burger fix close to home. For current hours, menu details, and rewards information, check the Franklin listing on Whataburger.
