If you happen to make your way down Coulter and 34th, you might have noticed there's some fencing up around the corner and there behind it is, in all of it's former glory: Whataburger. The down-to-the-studs building is in the middle of a remodel. You'd think I would rest assured that better days are ahead for the joint, but I'm still worried.

Get our free mobile app

The 'Before'

Here's our favorite spot before they tore it down:

The Whataburger at the Corner of 34th and Coulter in Amarillo, Texas
Michael J. Rivera, Townsquare Media
loading...

First off, Whataburger is sacred to me and many of my fellow Texans. If the Good Book were to talk about what the Almighty created on the 8th day, I'd bet it be Texas and Whataburger. The Corpus Christi institution with it's trademark orange and white is as Texan as the Alamo and is fiercely defended against the likes of In-N-Out or whatever other sub-par burger joint you wanna throw at my One True Whataburger.

The Original Social Network

Like all good things, Whataburger is now owned by a company based out of Chicago that has made a few subtle tweaks over the past few years--but for the most part, left the heart and soul of the restaurant alone. Lately though, some of the concepts they have come out with... are just weird, take a look at this location in Bellmead:

Whataburger
Whataburger
loading...

Ultra-modern, yes. But it loses some of the charm of the ol' tried and true booth appeal. That's what made Whataburger fun for me as a teen. You had your group and were lucky enough to swing the big corner booth that seated 6-8 if you squeezed in right. That was your social network... being cool enough for the booth. I'm sorry, counters don't cut it. Maybe I'm old fashioned, or just getting older.

A Table Tent with the number 74 at a Whataburger Resturant
Michael J. Rivera, Townsquare Media
loading...

I don't have a date on the new launch and again, totally love my #2 with Bacon and BBQ sauce added or that new spicy chicken sandwich. Mmm, Whataburger....dangit... now I'm hungry!

Say You're From Amarillo Without Saying You're From Amarillo

Amarillo is a pretty quirky place. We've got the Big Texan, the weird signs, and (obviously) the famed Cadillac Ranch. But more than that, there's a distinct culture of close-knit community, eccentrics, a thriving arts scene, and much more.

The point is, living in Amarillo is a unique experience. Because of that, it's really pretty easy to tell who's a native or a long-time resident. And I can prove it.

Here's a couple of ways you can say you're from Amarillo.....without saying you're from Amarillo.

LOOK: Here are copycat recipes from 20 of the most popular fast food restaurants in America

More From NewsTalk 940 AM