Whataburger hires Taco Bell vet as CFO

Ryan Moore also brings experience from Torchy’s Tacos to the burger chain, which is growing extensively beyond its home base of Texas.

Ryan Moore will begin his tenure as Whataburger’s chief financial officer on July 31, according to a Tuesday press release. Moore will oversee the growing burger brand’s finance efforts.

Moore will succeed Janelle Sykes, whose CFO tenure — which began in 2020 — coincided with “the most expansive period of growth in the brand's history as Whataburger grew from 860 restaurants across 11 states to nearly 1,200 across a 17-state footprint,” per the press release. Sykes will continue with the company through September to ensure a smooth transition.

Though he joins Whataburger from MOJO Family of Brands, a multi-brand carwash operator, Moore possesses significant restaurant experience, according to his LinkedIn profile. Moore served as CFO at Torchy’s Tacos from 2018 to 2024, following a decade as a vice president of finance at Taco Bell.

“[Moore’s] experience includes helping restaurant brands grow beyond their core markets, aligning investment with growth and preparing organizations for their next stage,” the press release states.

Moore’s background could prove of significant value to Whataburger, which has grown significantly in recent years, surpassing 1,000 stores in 2024.

Under CEO Debbie Stroud and her predecessor Ed Nelson, Whataburger has set the stage for significant growth outside of its traditional Texas heartland. The brand modernized its loyalty system in 2023, expanded its partnerships with c-store and travel center companies, and debuted two development prototypes earlier this year. Whataburger also added toys and interactive packaging to its kids meals in May.