It isn't hard to find a drive-thru that can serve you a greasy burger that will satisfy your hunger. And yet, there's something different about entering a Whataburger. No matter what is going on in your life, every Texas (as well as Arizona, Arkansas, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Oklahoma) resident knows that Whataburger is always the appropriate go-to. No matter what any foreigner of the southern states tells you, no other fast-food restaurant comes close to feeling like home (I'm talking to you, In-N-Out Burger fanatics).
While the debate over which fast-food chain is best could go on forever, there are several reasons that Texans flock to the orange tented buildings that have nothing to do with taste. Here are some things that my In-N-Out loving friends will never understand.
1. Growing up, Whataburger was the post parent-teacher night go-to.
2. It's the Friday Night Football hotspot.
3. It's always the post-movie night hangout with friends.
4. It's the only meal you want after a family wedding.
5. It was the comfort food after my grandfather's funeral.
6. It was the first meal reached for after a release from the hospital.
7. Its got service that screams southern hospitality.
8. It's picked up for the second time in a week when everyone is just too busy.
9. It is the perfect meal to take to the drive-in.
10. It's worth walking through 100-degree heat for in the summer.
11. It's a welcome change from leftover turkey after Thanksgiving.
12. It is the happiness after a night of stressful Christmas shopping.
13. It can't even be skipped during lent (hello, fish sandwich, we meet again).
14. It is the piece of home you sought after arriving back in Texas from a long trip out of state.
15. It's an essential to the all-nighter starter kit.
16. It wears your school's colors proudly.
17. It's a news headline that shouldn't exist.
18. It has pictures of your neighborhood's sports team hung from the ceiling.
19. It's a menu you know by heart
20. It's a graduation gift that only makes sense in Texas.
21. It welcomes you with open arms after a long Saturday night.
22. It's a french fry that won't turn to mush when you dip it into your chocolate shake.
23. It's a place to reunite with old friends.
24. It is the Sunday night go to.
25. It's worth risking your life during a hurricane.
Because no matter how far you go, those orange and white stripes are always there to welcome you home.
