Whataburger Inc. has hired former Starbucks Corp. executive Debbie Stroud as chief operating officer, starting Feb. 15, the company announced Friday.
The San Antonio, Texas-based burger brand said Stroud most recently served as senior vice president for U.S. retail operations at the Seattle, Wash.-based coffee chain. Stroud succeeds Rob Rodriguez, who left the COO position last year.
“She brings 30 years of high-impact leadership in the restaurant industry to Whataburger,” said Ed Nelson, Whataburger CEO and president, in a statement. “Her experience leading operations in a time of accelerated growth will truly benefit our brand as we continue to grow across 15 states and deliver bold flavors, extraordinary hospitality and meaningful communities in our 930-plus locations.”
During five years at Starbucks, Stroud led the regional vice presidents’ team that oversaw store operations across the country with the responsibility and leadership for more than 10,000 Starbucks retail stores.
Prior to Starbucks, Stroud spent 27 years with the McDonald’s Corp., where she served in numerous financial roles and transitioned to operations in 2003, ultimately serving as vice president and general manager in the U.S. Southeast.
“There is something truly unique about Whataburger,” Stroud said. “It’s a family-founded, beloved brand with a strong legacy and a wildly loyal fan base – and it is in a truly exciting phase of growth.”
Stroud will report to Nelson and serve on the senior leadership team, the company said.
In June 2019, Whataburger agreed to sell a majority interest to Chicago-based merchant bank BDT Capital Partners. The company was founded in 1950 by Harmon Dobson.
Update Feb. 10, 2023: This story has been updated with predecessor information.
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