Aiming for a modern-yet-retro look, Whataburger is reviving its iconic A-frame. Sort of.

The Texas burger chain is introducing two new prototype store designs, each of which is “grounded in the brand’s heritage but built for how [customers] experience Whataburger today,” the company says. The designs will be incorporated into newly built locations.

One of the prototypes, called The Legacy, reintroduces the classic A-frame shape, but with a modern twist, on the exterior of a 3,000-square-foot store and enlarges the dining room, the company says. The new A-frame treatment maintains “the unmistakable Whataburger look with bold architectural updates,” says the burger chain, but it takes up far less space than the original version.

The other prototype, called The Essential, leans into the iconic orange-and-white striped scheme on the exterior of a 2,000-square-foot restaurant.

The Essential design features the iconic orange-and-white striped scheme.Rendering courtesy of Whataburger

In 2020, Whataburger debuted its first refreshed store in South San Antonio, de-emphasizing the familiar A-frame, adding more glass around the front of the building, updating the décor, and retooling the kitchen. In the six years since, most of Whataburger’s original A-frame-adorned “flying W” stores have switched to new formats, and all newly built locations have incorporated modern designs.

Among other changes coming to new Whataburger restaurants are:

• Warmer spaces featuring natural wood tones, more glass, and modern materials to “create a more open, welcoming environment.”
• Updated layouts with flexible seating and dedicated areas for mobile orders and third-party order pickups.

“The result is a space that feels like Whataburger from the moment you pull in, with a few thoughtful updates to make every visit even better. It’s all about honoring the brand’s roots while making room for what’s next,” the company says.

The new prototypes will debut in Texas and then be rolled out in Arizona, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Construction is set to start later this year, and store openings are expected in early 2027.

Whataburger, founded in 1950 in Corpus Christi, operates more than 1,100 restaurants in 17 states, with the bulk of them in Texas.

Compassion does not wait for perfect conditions. It does not pause for bureaucratic gridlock, nor does it ask for permission to act. It simply looks at the human condition and decides to intervene. In Dallas, this relentless brand of empathy has a name, a pulse and a vibrant color palette, largely thanks to the Rio Valley Relief Project and the two dynamic women steering its course: Jackie Claudet Mitterer and Cassie Stewart.

Together, they operate at the delicate intersection of human suffering and creative resilience. Their work is a testament to the idea that helping others is not just a logistical challenge, but an art form. By bridging the gap between those who need shelter, food or a welcoming hand, and a city eager to give, Mitterer and Stewart are proving that unity is built one quiet act of kindness at a time.

A mission rooted in nimble compassion

The Rio Valley Relief Project began as a response to acute human crises, providing support to refugees, asylum seekers and other displaced families arriving in the area. Over time, it has evolved into a sustainable force for community care. The organization thrives on its ability to adapt. Whether they are stocking food pantries or setting up apartments for new arrivals, the goal remains fiercely simple.

“It’s helping people feel connected enough to care and then giving them a way to help,” Mitterer tells the Observer. “We’re good about looking at the human needs in front of us and shifting and pivoting where we need to.”

Stewart, whose background in the school system deeply informs her approach to the project, echoes this sentiment. The focus is always on the families and the tangible realities they face daily.

“A lot of it comes from staying close to the families that we serve,” Stewart says. “I can lean into that community and the partnerships and the creative thinkers around me, and that’s usually where the most resourceful solutions come from for me, for us.”

Weathering the political storm

Providing relief in Texas is rarely just about logistics. It’s inherently tied to the shifting sands of border policies and political climates. Both women acknowledge the hurdles that come with their chosen path, yet they refuse to let changing laws paralyze their mission.

“Some of the policies over the past several years have made the work harder,” Stewart admits. She notes that the shifting landscape “has increased suffering for families that we care about, but the need doesn’t go away.”

Even as migration patterns fluctuate, the requirement for human dignity remains constant.

“Policies change,” Stewart says. “And now we’re finding ourselves in a different situation where people are coming. It’s slowed dramatically.”

To combat this, the duo focuses on building long-term infrastructure rather than just applying temporary bandages.

“We’re beginning to be more intentional about creating consistent support systems, especially in schools and with families, so that what we’re doing isn’t just reactive but lasting,” Stewart shares. “We’ve both worked in the school system, so we feel a draw to that as well and have connections there.”

The canvas of service

For Mitterer, the drive to serve is woven into her DNA, inextricably linked to her own family history and her life as a creator. She views her artistic endeavors and her humanitarian work as two sides of the same coin.

“My way to connect is through service,” she says. “I am a daughter of immigrants. I am the granddaughter of immigrants to so many places. There is migration in my story forever.”

Service, she admits with a refreshing dose of honesty, is mutually beneficial.

“In my case, it keeps me centered,” Mitterer says.”My head is a trip. My soul is happy. Art and service center me. My mother, she and I will say it is self-serving. Give the good, the good part of myself.”

This profound connection to the human experience spills over into their view of everyday interactions: You do not need a grand platform to make a difference. Mitterer believes deeply in the micro-moments of empathy.

“You don’t need to have an organization and do a 501(c)(3),” she says. “It doesn’t need to be a perfect setting to be a helper. You just do something, invite a cup of tea, make a phone call, ask about how their day is going.”

Dallas: A unifying backdrop

The Rio Valley Relief Project does not exist in a vacuum. It draws its lifeblood from the generous, creative spirit of Dallas. Both women see the city not just as a location, but as an active participant in their work.

“Dallas is aware and values the creativity in people,” Mitterer says. “Dallas is perfect for that. There is so much to do and there is interest and it is a unifier.”

The duo has found that when they call on the community, it always answers.

“When we were setting up apartments, it’s amazing what people will gather for us. We get to be in the space where we see people show up, and it’s really great,” Mitterer says. “You see the loop full of artists, mural artists… it is becoming a scene. We can just be whoever we want and the way we want and be genuine… Dallas is fantastic in that way.”

It’s a city where, as she puts it, they can be “the quiet person who keeps showing up and doing the work. We hug and we hold space… We hold space for everybody.”

Through the Rio Valley Relief Project, Stewart and Mitterer remind us that service is not a rigid obligation. It’s a fluid, evolving practice of human connection. Whether they are coordinating resources for a disadvantaged school, setting up a living room for a displaced family or pressing vibrant mosaic tiles onto a canvas, they are building a masterpiece of community care.

“Come learn what we do. Laugh with us,” Mitterer invites. “And if you want to be part of it, come learn and do your thing. But do something if you can, when you can, how you can, however big or small.”

To learn more about the impactful work of the Rio Valley Relief Project and discover ways to contribute, visit their website.

This offseason, the Dallas Cowboys were more active in free agency than they have been in recent years. Knowing they needed to improve their defense, they added multiple players who fit new defensive coordinator Christian Parker’s vision.

The additions continued during the 2026 NFL draft. Not only did the Cowboys select safety Caleb Downs and EDGE Machai Lawrence in Round 1, but they also used five of their seven picks on defenders while adding another defender, Dee Winters, in a trade with the San Francisco 49ers.

With the new season quickly approaching, the Cowboys will be relying heavily on Parker and the revamped defense to get them back into the playoff picture. That said, these four players will be the ones to make or break their 2026 campaign.

Dee Winters, LB

The linebacker position was one of the weakest on the roster last season for Dallas, which is why they swung a trade for Dee Winters. He’s slated to be the starting inside linebacker next to DeMarvion Overshown, who recently said the league hasn’t seen him at his best yet.

Overshown has been a difference-maker, but his durability is concerning. That’s why Winters is such an important addition. He’s been far more durable than Overshown and is coming off his best season with 101 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and one interception. Dallas will look to Overshown and even rookie Jaishawn Barham for splash plays, but Winters is the steadying force they need.

Cobie Durant, CB

Cowboys On SI writer Mike Moraitis named the addition of Cobie Durant the “most underappreciated move” the Cowboys made this offseason and his assessment is spot-on. Durant is coming off a strong season that saw him record 40 tackles, seven pass breakups and three interceptions. He brings much-needed coverage skill to the secondary, earning a 67.4 from PFF, which was 38th out of 114 qualified cornerbacks.

Durant continued to excel in the postseason, recording three more interceptions and breaking up another seven passes in three games. He’s overly confident and even with DaRon Bland and Shavon Revel on the roster, Durant will be on the field often this season and will help determine the trajectory of their defense.

Rashan Gary, EDGE

Fans had their hearts set on a big-name such as Maxx Crosby or Trey Hendrickson, but the Cowboys ended up with Rashan Gary. While he’s never recorded more than 9.5 sacks in a single season, Gary is still a capable pass-rusher who excels in run defense.

More importantly, he’s someone Christian Parker believes can set the edge in Dallas. They don’t need him to be Crosby, but if Gary can serve as a veteran leader who records at least seven or eight sacks in 2026, he will be a great help for this rebuilt defense.

Caleb Downs, DB

There might not be another rookie facing as much pressure to perform in 2026 than Caleb Downs. While others will be expected to eventually become the face of their franchise, Downs will be asked to lead a complete defensive makeover from the minute he steps on the field.

Not every rookie can live up to those expectations, but Downs is ready for the challenge and is already winning over teammates with his approach. He’s likely to spend most of his time in the slot, but beyond that, Downs will be one of the key communicators who helps the Cowboys secondary get on, and stay on the same page.

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