Reports of Crowley Getting a Whataburger Sparks Mixed Reactions Among Residents

A new Whataburger is set to open in Crowley, according to an announcement from Core Realty LLC. The highly anticipated fast-food chain will be located between Chevron and Taco Bell at 2516 N. Parkerson Avenue (LA-13). While no specific date has been given for the start of construction, the news has already sparked a range of reactions from local residents.

On the Core Realty LLC Facebook page, the announcement that "Crowley is getting a Whataburger!!" was met with a flurry of comments and shares from excited fans of the chain, alongside those who expressed concerns about the impact on local businesses and the lack of other desired restaurant options in the area.

One local resident expressed their excitement by commenting, "This is the most exciting thing I’ve heard all day! 'Honey butter chicken biscuit' I’m just practicing." Others echoed similar sentiments, with one resident stating, "Aww man, I love Whataburger!" However, not everyone shared the same enthusiasm.

Some residents voiced their disappointment that other popular chains, such as Raising Cane's or Chick-fil-A, were not being brought to Crowley instead. "We need more variety of restaurants. Jennings is growing faster than Crowley could ever think," one commenter noted, reflecting a desire for more diverse dining options.

Introducing another chain restaurant has also raised concerns among some local business owners, who fear the impact on their operations. Katie Alleman, a local food business owner, took to social media to share her thoughts on the matter.

While Alleman expressed her excitement for the new Whataburger, she also addressed the challenges that local businesses face in competing with large chains.

"I’ve come to realize that you can’t make people happy," Alleman wrote. "People in Crowley say, 'We need more variety,' but when we get a Whataburger, they complain that we need more local businesses. I own a local food business, and I feel like I can speak for other locally owned businesses in Crowley. We pay much higher prices than chains because we buy locally and not in the massive bulk that big chains can. Yet, we still try to keep our prices comparable."

Alleman’s message also highlighted the importance of community support for local businesses. "Chains also pay taxes here, but their profits go elsewhere. So quit using 'buy local' as a way to complain and actually support local," she urged.

Despite the mixed reactions, the arrival of Whataburger in Crowley is a significant development for the town, marking the addition of a popular fast-food chain that is sure to attract both residents and visitors alike. Whether this new establishment will lead to further growth in the local dining scene remains to be seen, but for now,many are excited for honey butter chicken biscuits in their near future.