Whataburger Drive-Thru Diverts to Neighborhood Instead of Rangeline

JOPLIN, Mo. - The new Whataburger in Joplin opened its drive-thru this week. To avoid traffic on Rangeline, the drive-thru line is currently being directed to the neighborhood behind the restaurant.

Local resident Dena Hill, who resides less than half a mile away from the new Whataburger spot, witnessed the influx of activity firsthand on the opening day. "It was crazy. They were lined out from the restaurant all the way to the first section up here. Lots. All day long," she remarked.

Despite the increased traffic in her area, Hill maintained a positive outlook. "I didn't mind it. I mean, you know, I heard Whataburger is supposed to be the best, right? I thought it was fine," she expressed.

Her neighbor Brad Rogge. echoed similar sentiments, stating, "It doesn't bother me. I'm sure it bothers some of the neighbors where their driveways are blocked, but our driveways are blocked, so we can get it in and out so it doesn't bother us."

Addressing concerns raised by locals, Kim Kannarr, Regional Marketing Manager for Whataburger, assured the community that measures would be taken to alleviate traffic issues. "During our higher traffic times, we'll make sure that they're, kind of split the cars apart so that they can get out of their driveways," Kannarr stated.

Whataburger clarified that the current drive-thru traffic routing through a residential street is a temporary measure, with plans to transition to Rangeline once traffic subsides. "Whataburger always reaches out to the community before we open a restaurant. We talked to the Joplin Police Department, and we had to decide as to what the best traffic pattern would be so that we could not hinder traffic," Kannarr explained.

To ensure smooth traffic flow, off-duty officers have been hired by Whataburger to oversee traffic congestion at the location. Additionally, the Joplin Police Department stands ready to assist if needed.

Presently, Whataburger exclusively offers drive-thru services, with plans to introduce dining room and curbside service in the coming weeks.

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