A new Whataburger chain restaurant on Fire Station Road in Clarksville, Tennessee, has drawn nationwide attention, with NASA confirming that the queue was visible from the International Space Station during yesterday's rush hour traffic. While this cosmic spectacle has left the world in awe, the interstellar lineup has raised questions about the length of wait times since opening on October 16th, prompting some patrons to stage hunger strikes.

It's no secret that Whataburger has a cult-like following, but the extreme lengths to which customers are willing to go for a taste of their beloved burgers are reaching astronomical proportions. The line at the newly opened Clarksville location has consistently extended far beyond the parking lot, and onlookers are starting to wonder if it's more of a tourist attraction than a restaurant.

"I've been steering clear of that place just like I do when any new fast food place opens in Clarksville." - said Patti Kraken, when asked while delivering an Instacart order to ClarksburgNow's underground lair.

Indeed, the restaurant seems to be a magnet for out-of-towners and newcomers who have enthusiastically embraced the Whataburger craze. However, long-term locals appear to be relatively dismissive, with many preferring to stick to their tried-and-true local eateries.

Clarksville native Sarah Thompson said, "I'm not sure what all the fuss is about. We have plenty of great places to eat right here in town. I don't have time to wait in line for hours when I can get a delicious meal just a few minutes away."

Image Credit: Facebook

The Whataburger line has become such a prominent fixture that it has inspired a series of hunger strikes by disgruntled customers who refuse to endure the seemingly never-ending wait times. Some have even set up tents, complete with sleeping bags and lawn chairs, in an effort to secure their spot in line for the next mealtime rush.

In response to the unprecedented demand, Whataburger is gearing up to open another location on Riverside Drive on Monday, October 30th. The anticipation is palpable, with locals and tourists alike eagerly awaiting the new outpost's debut. However, there's a collective hope that it won't be plagued by the same lengthy delays that plagued the initial Fire Station Road restaurant.

Clarksville Mayor Joe Clarksburger expressed excitement about the new Riverside Drive location, saying, "We welcome new businesses to our city, and we hope this expansion will help ease the congestion and hunger strikes associated with the Fire Station Road location. We're eager to see how it benefits both our residents and visitors."

As the Whataburger phenomenon continues to sweep through Clarksville, it remains to be seen whether the fervor will subside or if this cosmic culinary attraction will become a permanent fixture in the city's landscape. In the meantime, locals and astronauts alike are keeping a close eye on the skies and the ever-expanding queue for the next glimpse of this extraterrestrial fast-food frenzy.

By Chris P
Saturday, October 28 2023