Whataburger Welcomes New CFO Ryan Moore to Steer Financial Growth
In an exciting move for the fast-food chain, Whataburger has recently appointed Ryan Moore as its new Chief Financial Officer. He is set to join the company on July 31, 2026, bringing with him a wealth of experience in restaurant finance that is expected to greatly benefit the brand as it continues its expansion.
Moore comes to Whataburger with an impressive track record, having held significant roles in financial leadership within notable restaurant chains. Most recently, he served as the CFO for Torchy's Tacos, where he successfully contributed to the chain's growth. Prior to that, Moore spent a decade at Taco Bell, rising to the position of Vice President of Finance. His experience includes driving financial strategies that align investments with growth, crucial for a company poised for expansion.
"Ryan is a proven financial leader with deep experience in the restaurant industry and a strong track record of helping brands navigate periods of meaningful growth," stated Whataburger President and CEO, Debbie Stroud. She emphasized that Moore's collaborative leadership style and understanding of investment in people and operations are vital elements in fostering strong financial outcomes. The company looks forward to his strategic insights as they work on their future plans.
Whataburger, known for its iconic regional brand, aims to broaden its reach nationally. Moore expressed enthusiasm about this opportunity, stating, "Whataburger is an iconic regional brand with the opportunity to become a national player." He highlighted the importance of introducing Whataburger to new customers while maintaining the core values that have made it beloved for 76 years. Finding the right avenues for growth without compromising the brand’s essence is a delicate balance that Moore is ready to tackle.
Moore takes over the CFO role from Janelle Sykes, who has played a pivotal part in the company's significant growth phase over the past six years. Under her leadership, Whataburger expanded from 860 locations in 11 states to nearly 1,200 across 17 states, marking a historic period for the company. Stroud expressed profound gratitude for Sykes’ contributions, acknowledging her foundational work in paving the way for Whataburger's upcoming successes.
As Sykes prepares to leave her post in September, she will be working closely with Moore for a seamless transition. Reflecting on her time at Whataburger, she shared her pride in the team's accomplishments and the strategic path forward.
For Whataburger, this leadership change marks a new chapter as they aim for further growth and innovation while remaining committed to their unique culinary offerings. The company, which prides itself on a made-to-order menu featuring burgers and a variety of other favorites, looks to maintain its strong community connections and customer satisfaction as key drivers of success.
The brand has garnered attention not only for its food but also for its dedication to social impact, earning spots on lists such as Forbes’ Best Brands for Social Impact and Fast Company’s Brands That Matter. As Whataburger welcomes Ryan Moore, all eyes will be on how his financial acumen shapes the company’s future endeavors and further solidifies its iconic status in the fast-food landscape.
For more information about Whataburger's menu and locations, fans can visit the official website or download their app, which enhances the customer experience through personalized service and order management. The brand remains firmly dedicated to delivering quality and satisfaction to both new patrons and its loyal fan base as they step into this exciting new phase of their journey.