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Whataburger features Black creators in its ‘Museum of Art’Whataburger features Black creators in its ‘Museum of Art’

Instagram platform highlights fan artwork but focuses on commissions in February

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

February 23, 2023

1 Min Read
Whataburger Museum of Art Michael Kendrix Temple Madd Kyng
Whataburger is featuring such works as “WhataVibe” in mixed media by Houston artist Michael Kendrix Temple, also known as “Madd Kyng.”Whataburger Inc.

Whataburger Inc. this month is highlighting Black artists and displaying commissioned works at its Whataburger Museum of Art Instagram account, the company said.

The San Antonio, Texas-based burger brand is making the works available on the platform throughout the Black History Month. They can be viewed at the @thewmoa Instagram throughout February and beyond.

The account, created in 2021, generally features artwork by Whataburger fans.

“The collection features artists from cities across our 14-state footprint and beyond,” the company said. “It includes a variety of perspectives and interpretations of Whataburger fandom, with the artwork sourced through Instagram and online galleries. Many of these artists had tagged @Whataburger in the past, and we knew we wanted to shine a light on their great work.”

Among the black artists being featured this month are: illustrator Shae Anthony, fiber artist Niki Dionne of Dallas, Samuel Dunson Jr. and Michael Kendrix Temple (also known as the “Madd Kyng”) of Houston. More details on the artists in the most Black History Month showcase can be found at the Whataburger website.

Brooks Boenig, Whataburger's marketing director, said in a statement: “Like a true curated art collection, we look for a variety of perspectives and interpretations of Whataburger fandom. We’re proud to shine a light on the great work of diverse artists. We encourage everyone who visits the @TheWMOA Instagram account to head over to these talented artists' accounts to support them and purchase their work.”

Whataburger, founded in 1950, has more than 900 restaurants.

Update Feb. 23, 2023: This story has been updated with a statement from Brooks Boenig, Whataburger's marketing director.

Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected]

Follow him on Twitter: @RonRuggless

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About the Author

Ron Ruggless

Senior Editor, Nation’s Restaurant News / Restaurant Hospitality

Ron Ruggless serves as a senior editor for Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN.com) and Restaurant Hospitality (Restaurant-Hospitality.com) online and print platforms. He joined NRN in 1992 after working 10 years in various roles at the Dallas Times Herald newspaper, including restaurant critic, assistant business editor, food editor and lifestyle editor. He also edited several printings of the Zagat Dining Guide for Dallas-Fort Worth, and his articles and photographs have appeared in Food & Wine, Food Network and Self magazines. 

Ron Ruggless’ areas of expertise include foodservice mergers, acquisitions, operations, supply chain, research and development and marketing. 

Ron Ruggless is a frequent moderator and panelist at industry events ranging from the Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators (MUFSO) conference to RestaurantSpaces, the Council of Hospitality and Restaurant Trainers, the National Restaurant Association’s Marketing Executives Group, local restaurant associations and the Horeca Professional Expo in Madrid, Spain.

Ron Ruggless’ experience:

Regional and Senior Editor, Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality (1992 to present)

Features Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1989-1991)

Restaurant Critic and Food Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1987-1988)

Editing Roles – Dallas Times Herald (1982-1987)

Editing Roles – Charlotte (N.C.) Observer (1980-1982)

Editing Roles – Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald (1978-1980)

Email: [email protected]

Social media:

Twitter@RonRuggless

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ronruggless

Instagram: @RonRuggless

TikTok: @RonRuggless

 

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