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Whataburger makes its first bet on Las VegasWhataburger makes its first bet on Las Vegas

Franchisee Panda Restaurant Group opens unit in two-story location on The Strip, co-located with Parry’s Pizzeria & Taphouse

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

February 8, 2024

1 Min Read
Whataburger las vegas opens parry s
Whataburger opened this week in Las Vegas, Nevada, in a restaurant co-loated with Parry's Pizzeria & Taproom. Both are franchised by the Panda Restaurant Group.Whataburger Inc.

Whataburger Inc., the burger brand, has opened its first restaurant in Nevada, debuting a two-story restaurant on The Strip that is co-located with a Parry's Pizzeria & Taphouse.

The San Antonio, Texas-based company said the Whataburger at 3752 S. Las Vegas Blvd. marks the brand's westernmost location and the brand’s 15th state. The company has more than 1,000 restaurants systemwide.

Adjoining the Waldorf Astoria, the unit was the first unit opened by franchisee Panda Restaurant Group.

“As the city that never sleeps, and a brand that is open 24/7, it only made sense to bring a Whataburger to The Strip,” said Ed Nelson, Whataburger’s president and CEO, in a statement.

It is co-located with Parry's Pizzeria & Taphouse and will be open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Panda Restaurant Group also franchises the Parry’s brand.

Parry's Pizzeria & Taphouse in Las Vegas offers slices, 14 signature pies, never-frozen chicken wings, stromboli, cocktails and 120 beers on draft, with a focus on craft offerings. Parry’s first opened its doors in suburban Denver, Colo., in 2007.

Brandon Strickland, Panda Restaurant Group’s director of operation, said: “We are proud to be partnering with such a beloved restaurant brand, Whataburger, marrying our shared commitment to best-in-class operations and delicious, quality menu offerings.”

Related:Whataburger debuts Digital Kitchen unit in Texas

Whataburger was founded in 1950. The family-owned company in 2019 sold a majority interest to Chicago-based merchant bank BDT Capital Partners. Panda Restaurant Group operates the Panda Express concept.

Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected]

Follow him on X/Twitter: @RonRuggless

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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