29-05-2025
What an expansion for Whataburger! Knoxville gets 3 locations, from Powell to Turkey Creek
Whataburger is showing the rest of Knoxville some love, with the Texas-based fast-food chain planning two more spots in the city, in addition to the restaurant announced for the Strip.
Knox News reported May 27 that Whataburger is coming to 1830 Cumberland Ave., located along the Strip near the University of Tennessee campus. A second Whataburger is set for far north Knoxville and another in Turkey Creek.
Tennessee is home to 23 Whataburger restaurants: five in Clarksville, six in around Memphis and 12 in the Nashville area. MWB Restaurants, the franchisee opening the Knoxville restaurants, is planning at least one location in Chattanooga and three more in Alabama (Golden, Jasper and Owens Cross Roads).
Here's everything we know so far about Whataburger expanding into Knoxville.
Helen Morton, treasurer of the Cumberland Avenue Merchants Association, confirmed the burger chain is coming to 1830 Cumberland Ave. The Whataburger expansion also made it into a county clerk's list of new businesses.
This location on the Strip will be in the lower level of the TENN student apartments, the same building that houses Raising Cane's. An opening date has not been set.
Another Whataburger is coming to 500 Emory Road, according to documents included in a project management database at The documents list this property as the former Steak n' Shake in Powell.
The third Whataburger coming to Knoxville will be in Turkey Creek at 310 Wild Geese Road. The restaurant also will replace a Steak n' Shake, which closed in 2024. Plans call for remodeling the building with a drive-thru, according to project documents.
Joanna Hayes is the restaurant and retail reporter. Email:
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Whataburger fast food chain expands in TN with 3 Knoxville restaurants
