National Whataburger Day: Some complain they can't get their free burgers
NORTH TEXAS (CBSNewsTexas.com) -- National Whataburger Day is back on track after a sour lunch hour for some fast food lovers.
The beloved Texas staple celebrated its 73rd birthday on Tuesday by proclaiming Aug. 8 National Whataburger Day. To mark the occasion, the San Antonio-based chain offered anyone a free Whataburger through its rewards program on the Whataburger app.
But around lunchtime, some social media users posted about their disappointment, as they were unable to log in to the Whataburger app, or were receiving error messages.
@Whataburger the app keeps crashing on national burger day and I can’t redeem :( pic.twitter.com/d6kMfBSdvd
— Angelo (@ASOrtizVela) August 8, 2023
"How am I supposed to celebrate with the app down?" one user asked.
@Whataburger how am I supposed to celebrate with the app down?
— Isaiah the Wav (@Isaiah_Colin) August 8, 2023
"Lots of unhappy customers. What a marketing nightmare..." wrote another.
@CBSNewsTexas your story needs to be about how @Whataburger’s app crashed so no one can actually get the free burgers. Lots of unhappy customers. What a marketing nightmare…
— Elon Musk (@yogauppercut) August 8, 2023
A CBS News Texas producer also ran into problems accessing the Whataburger app and placing an order.
Just after 2 p.m. Tuesday, Whataburger issued a statement acknowledging the problems.
"Wow, you really crashed our party during lunchtime! We apologize for the inconvenience. Our app is back up and running again. If you were in our restaurants, our Family Members took care of you and our Customer Care team is hard at work making it right for those of you who have reached out. Thanks for celebrating with us today! You have made our 73 years amazing, and we can't wait to see what's in store next!" the statement read.
Not everyone came away from National Whataburger Day disappointed, however, with some posting pictures of their free burgers.
About to enjoy my free @Whataburger on National @Whataburger Day! pic.twitter.com/hexe2CbQrJ
— Bill Vessey (@billvessey) August 8, 2023
On top of a free burger, I got a nifty table tent. My @Whataburger location went all out celebrating.
— Rachel (@averyfan) August 8, 2023
*If you have the Whataburger app, you have a free burger offer under rewards. Only valid today. The table tents are available while supplies last.#NationalWhataburgerDay 🧡 pic.twitter.com/ntR55YxQey