Greenville Whataburger’s fate unknown after city denies 24/7 drive-thru
Spencer Donovan sdonovan@postandcourier.com
4–6 minutes
GREENVILLE — The fate of the Whataburger planned for Laurens Road — which would be Greenville’s first location of the popular Texas-based fast-food chain — has been thrown into limbo.
The city’s Board of Zoning Appeals denied a request Sept. 14 that would allow for an all-night drive-thru, citing concerns that traffic, noise and odors would irritate a nearby single-family neighborhood.
Whataburger has “always been a 24/7 drive-thru,” project manager Anita Thomas told the board. They want to remain consistent across the various locations planned for South Carolina.
But the board wouldn’t accept that argument. Its members voted 6-1 to deny the restaurant’s request.
The chain was slated to demolish and replace a former TitleMax title loan office at 1601 Laurens Road, across the street from fast-food restaurants Chick-Fil-A and Cookout.
“We are continuing to work with our city partners and are confident we will be able to serve up Goodness 24/7 in Greenville,” said Ana Flores, who represents Whataburger, in an email Sept. 15.
City staff recommended board members deny the request for what is known as a required “special exception.” Eight people, mostly nearby neighbors, spoke against the request.
Michael Austin from the East Lynne Neighborhood Association said his neighborhood was concerned with people “loitering” in the parking lot, increased traffic through the neighborhood, unpleasant smells and excessive noise and lighting.
Austin referenced the GVL 2040 Comprehensive Plan, which is the city’s roadmap for managing future growth while preserving open space, creating affordable housing and reducing dependence on cars. That plan focuses on preserving the quality of life and strengthening neighborhoods.
“If this special exception were approved, it would do nothing to move the city closer to achieving the goals set out in the 2040 plan, so I’m asking you to follow the recommendation of city planning and deny this special exception,” Austin said.
The proposed Whataburger, which had its special request for a 24/7 drive-thru denied, would sit on Laurens Road near its interchange with Pleasantburg Drive. Greenville County/Provided
The closest residential property is about 175 feet from the property line for the proposed restaurant, city planner Ross Zelenske said.
Thomas said Whataburger conducted a traffic impact analysis and would try to minimize the amount of traffic on Lindsay Avenue, which borders the property and connects Laurens Road and Airport Road.
All board members but Stephanie Gates voted to deny the request. She said the 24/7 drive-thru could work but would require many conditions that would be hard to enforce, such as installing a “left-turn only” sign.
Whataburger has developed a loyal following in its home state and invited intrigue beyond. Its expansion into the Southeast began after Chicago-based BDT Capital in 2019 bought a majority stake in the company.
Other Whataburgers publicly announced for South Carolina include two in Spartanburg, one in Boiling Springs, one in Duncan and one in Anderson. They would be the chain’s easternmost locations.
Follow Spencer Donovan on Twitter @sdonovan5.
