Staffing
Photo: Whataburger
August 21, 2025
Whataburger has named Jessica Reicher as EVP and COO. Reicher has more than 30 years of restaurant leadership experience, according to a press release.
Most recently Reicher served as president of Arby’s at Flynn Group, where she led more than 360 locations across 10 states. She began her career at Red Robin, where she rose from hourly team member to regional operations director. She later held senior leadership roles at Fuddruckers, Pizza Hut International and Taco Bell, where she led restaurant excellence and integration for over 7,200 restaurants. At Nando’s U.S., she served as COO, leading a strategic growth plan that included building a people-first culture that unlocked significant growth in sales and EBITDA.
“Having lived in Texas, I’ve long admired Whataburger’s iconic presence and passionate following,” Reicher said in the press release. “It’s a brand that stands for quality, care, and community—and I’m excited to help carry that legacy forward with our teams across the country.”
She begins her new position on Sept. 16 and will be based in San Antonio.
“Jessica’s proven experience and positive impact on workplace culture make her an ideal fit for our brand as we continue to expand,” Debbie Stroud, CEO of Whataburger, said in the press release. “As COO she will sharpen our operational excellence, enhance the Whataburger guest experience at every touchpoint, and invest in developing our Family Members (employees) – fueling our tradition of quality, care and hospitality that’s been at the heart of Whataburger since 1950.”
Whataburger has 1,100 restaurants across 17 states.
