Growing Burger Chain Names SVP, Chief Development Officer

Whataburger has appointed Todd Ewen its new senior vice president and chief development officer, effective March 24.

Ewen has more than 20 years’ experience in commercial real estate development, site selection and strategic growth, and more than 10 years in the QSR industry, including time as the development director and real estate manager at McDonald’s. He also founded L3 Commercial Development, leading more than $300 million in lease and purchase transactions.

Now, he will lead the 1,090-unit Whataburger’s growth strategy.

“We plan to bring Honey Butter Biscuits and great hospitality to more than 24 million new customers this year,” says Whataburger Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer Alexander Ivannikov. “Todd’s deep understanding of real estate in the quick service restaurant industry will be integral in helping Whataburger execute our growth strategy, bringing delicious food and a great experience to new markets and new fans.”

In January, the Texas-based brand broke ground in North Carolina—its 17th state.