---
title: "Reicher named Whataburger EVP and COO"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/6da43fe4-3ec9-4722-963c-e26a9949d894
source: "Franchise Magazine USA"
original_url: https://franchisemagazineusa.com/reicher-named-whataburger-evp-and-coo/
author: "Andrew Carlo"
category: "Burger"
industry: "Restaurants"
segment: "Burger"
topics: ["People"]
published: 2025-12-02T13:25:06.000Z
modified: 2026-11-01T01:01:18.896Z
image: https://franchisemagazineusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/lamplimages-whataburgerbellmead-0007.jpg
---

# Reicher named Whataburger EVP and COO

**TL;DR:** Whataburger has named Jessica Reicher as its new executive vice president and chief operating officer, leading corporate and franchise restaurant operations. Reicher joins Whataburger from her previous role as president of Arby's of Flynn Group, where she led over 360 locations across 10 states.

*By Andrew Carlo, originally published in Franchise Magazine USA on 2025-12-02. [Read the original](https://franchisemagazineusa.com/reicher-named-whataburger-evp-and-coo/).*

## Story

Whataburger has named industry veteran Jessica Reicher as the fast casual brand’s new executive vice president and chief operating officer.

Reicher joins Whataburger during its 75th anniversary year and will lead all corporate and franchise restaurant operations and restaurant services. The company also said that Reicher will be overseeing operational strategy, execution, and team development across Whataburger’s growing footprint.

The executive previously served as president of Arby’s of Flynn Group where she led over 360 locations across 10 states. According to Whataburger, Reicher’s people development strategy resulted in industry-leading turnover improvements, and the team was recognized with Arby’s Franchisee of the Year Award in 2021.

In her new role, Reicher will be based in San Antonio. Texas at Whataburger’s home office. She will officially start her new role on Sept. 16.

“Having lived in Texas, I’ve long admired Whataburger’s iconic presence and passionate following,” said Reicher. “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.”

Reicher’s career began 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.

“Jessica’s proven experience and positive impact on workplace culture make her an ideal fit for our brand as we continue to expand,” said Debbie Stroud, CEO of Whataburger. ” 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 more than 1,100 restaurants in 17 states along with 52,000 employees.

## Entities

- Restaurants (sector)
- Franchise Magazine USA (publication)
- fast casual (topic)
- Taco Bell (company)
- executive appointment (topic)
- Pizza Hut (company)
- Andrew Carlo (person)
- restaurant operations (topic)
- Arby's (company)
- Red Robin (company)
- Whataburger (company)
- Flynn Group (investor)

---
Originally reported by Andrew Carlo, Franchise Magazine USA (https://franchisemagazineusa.com/reicher-named-whataburger-evp-and-coo/). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/6da43fe4-3ec9-4722-963c-e26a9949d894).