The new Whataburger in Brewton quietly opened its doors Wednesday and has already welcomed a crowd.

Lee Cartledge, Florida director of operations for the Whataburger corporate office, said an official grand opening is planned in a few weeks, but customers have already begun to crowd into the new restaurant in its first couple of days.

“We have had our eye on Brewton for several years,” Cartledge said. “We have had a goal to get here, and we just needed to grow some more. The restaurant in Century was the last stop before coming to Brewton. This is the first of its kind to be built in the ‘Panhandle area’ and it is considered the flagship for future areas.”

Chris Summerlin, his wife, Alicia, and their two daughters, Emma and Michal, had lunch at the new restaurant Thursday. Summerlin said he was impressed with the store’s customer service.

“We actually have seen a hiccup in the system, but they worked it out just fine,” Summerlin said. “We ordered our food and when it didn’t come right away, I asked about it and the manager said it was their mistake and promptly refilled our order, gave us our money back and gave us our lunch at no cost. Everybody has to work out little problems when they first open. They took care of the problem, and that was good enough for me.”

Olline Turner doesn’t drive anymore, but when she told her sister, who was driving, that she hadn’t had lunch yet, her sister took her up to the new Whataburger.

“Those were the best onion rings I ever had,” Turner said. “I will certainly be back to eat here again.”

Cartledge said the restaurant is open 24 hours a day and will only be closed only on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

“About 90 percent of our employees were hired locally,” Cartledge said. “We have six managers for this site and a general manager, Johnny Subbs. This is the 24th one to open in the panhandle and the eighth largest quick service restaurant. We are excited about the business and look forward to a good relationship with the people of Brewton.”