As the Executive Chef at Whataburger, Chef James Sanchez is always looking for unique ways to bring bold flavors and elevated food to the regional burger chain. Using the freshest ingredients, Chef James’ goal is to create proprietary menu items that are accessible to all.
A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY, and a 25-year veteran of the kitchen, Chef James is a master at melding classical techniques with modern food concepts, skills he honed under the tutelage of some of San Antonio’s best chefs including Acenar’s kitchen, his work at hotels and Central Market.
He culls his inspiration from his years or traveling the world as a young chef’s apprentice and is greatly influenced by the flavors of his childhood and community. A passionate chef and mentor to aspiring young cooks, Chef James served as the education chair for the local American Culinary Federation and was an adjunct faculty Garde Manger Instructor for St. Philip’s College culinary program for 17 years. He now leads an innovative test kitchen at San Antonio’s Whataburger headquarters.
Whataburger has become a nationally recognized brand growing to over 1,000 restaurants in 15 states with fan-favorite products on grocery shelves in 25 states. This is the most ambitious growth plan the brand has seen to date. That means innovations like the Whataburger Digital Kitchen, new menu items like the Chili Cheeseburger and the Banana Pudding Shake, even adding National Whataburger Day to the calendar. Recent media accolades for the brand include QSR Magazine’s Best Brands to Work For in 2023, and its annual 50 list, ranking Whataburger as the fourth-highest chain earning the most per restaurant in 2022. The brand has risen to #34 in the Franchise Times Top 400 this year.
