Whataburger thanks employees with more than $90 million in bonuses

Houston Chronicle -Whataburger thanked its employees with big bonuses during the coronavirus pandemic.

The beloved fast-food chain announced in a news release Wednesday it awarded more than $90 million in bonuses to its employees in thanks for their service during the COVID-19 era and in the severe winter weather storm.

Whataburger employees also received “Extra Mile” bonuses, emergency pay and a doubling of their 401(k) plan matching for 2020, the release added.

“The past year reshaped how we live, work, and play, with the restaurant and hospitality industry being heavily impacted by the pandemic and this year’s crippling winter storms,” Ed Nelson, Whataburger CEO, stated in the release. “… We wanted to help ensure that our Family Members (employees) and their families were taken care of, and thank them for continuing to go the extra mile to serve our guests with great Pride, Care, and Love.”

The company also announced in its release it is elevating general managers at its chains with a new title, calling them operating partners – business leaders who run multimillion-dollar restaurants, take care of their teams, and serve as the face of Whataburger in their communities, per the release.