Despite news of multiple closures, Whataburger kicked off a nationwide holiday promotion — 12 Days of Whatacheer— and announced plans to expand. The Texas-based burger chain shared bad news for Southern diners this week that has some wondering if it is struggling in an economy that left dozens of long-standing restaurants in bankruptcy this year. Earlier this week, Whataburger announced that four middle Tennessee, two North Georgia, and two Alabama locations will permanently close at 11:59 PM on December 15. Those locations include: Mt. Juliet, TN: 11190 Lebanon Road Murfreesboro, TN: 1924 Memorial Boulevard Clarksville, TN: 791 North 2nd Street Clarksville, TN: 1602 Haynes Street Dahlonega, GA: 254 Riley Road Athens, GA: 700 US-29 Auburn, AL: 101 N. College Street Tuscaloosa, AL: 1130 University Boulevard The Closures Will Help Whataburger Expand According to a statement, the company is shuttering those operations to “focus” its efforts where it “can make the biggest impact.” The decision is not part of a bigger plan to downsize. “We regularly conduct a business review of our locations to maximize opportunities for growth and keep Whataburger strong in the communities we serve. In a few cases, that means closing restaurants,” Whataburger said in a statement. The company hopes to reallocate funding so it can expand into new cities and states. “In 2026 alone, guests will find over 40 new Whataburger locations opening throughout the Southeast,” the statement continued. “While closing any location is a difficult decision, the restaurants closing represent less than one percent of our over 1,100 locations.” This story’s featured image is by Mark Felix for The Washington Post via Getty Images.