Whataburger has filed plans with the state to give its Highway 71 outpost in Bastrop a full rebuild, laying out a $2.5 million project at the chain’s existing address. The proposal calls for a new single-story, 3,800-square-foot restaurant with sit-in dining and a drive-thru, with construction scheduled to start August 3, 2026, and wrap up by December 29, 2026, according to the filing.
Project filing shows timeline and scope
State records from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation list the project as "WB at 401 State Hwy 71" with an estimated cost of $2,500,000. The scope is described as a new construction of a 3,800-square-foot fast-food restaurant that will offer both sit-in dining and drive-thru service. The documents name WB Real Estate LLC as the owner and Castles Design Group as the design firm, and they list Janie Cortes-Saucedo as the contact for the project. TDLR shows the status as "Project Registered" and cites the August 3 to December 29 construction window.
Existing store and nearby locations
The address, 401 TX-71, currently appears on Whataburger as the Bastrop Highway 71 location, which is listed with daily hours and curbside pickup options. As reported by Community Impact, the filing applies to the chain’s current Bastrop site and notes two additional Whataburger locations that serve Bastrop County, in Paige and Elgin. Community Impact also reported that company officials did not respond to requests for comment by publication time, so it is still unclear whether the restaurant will stay open during construction.
Where this fits in Bastrop’s growth
The rebuild lines up with a period of ongoing growth in Bastrop, where the city has been updating development rules while new restaurants and retail spots continue to trickle in. Local leaders say the changes are aimed at making the permitting process more predictable for builders. The article zoning rewrite details the city’s overhaul of its development code to reduce surprises and speed reviews. Taken together with other TDLR-registered commercial projects in the region, the Whataburger plan points to ongoing interest along the Highway 71 corridor.
What’s next
For now, the Bastrop project is listed in state records as privately funded work set to begin August 3 and finish December 29. Community Impact reports it will continue tracking updates, and local residents can expect to see permit activity and, potentially, new signage or temporary closures if the rebuild moves ahead as planned. We will keep an eye on city permits and company notices and update this story once officials confirm how the project will affect day-to-day operations at the Highway 71 location.
