The hype has been building for three years. All since Patrick Mahomes suggested Whataburger build a store in Kansas City. And it's only increased since Whataburger announced they were coming to Kansas City and actually started building restaurants. Now that the Lee's Summit location is open, the key to loving Whataburger might just be managing your expectations.

And here's why. The first time I experienced Whataburger it didn't live up to the hype. A couple of radio buddies and some family members had gone to Texas before me. Had tried it. And raved about it on Facebook. I liked it. But I didn't love it or think it was special. I think my friends overhyped it for me. I was expecting too much.

It took me a while to dial in how I liked my Whataburger. But once I did it became one of my go-to burger joints when we lived in Lubbock. And as I tried other menu items, I grew to be more and more a fan. Their Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit and Cinnamon Rolls for breakfast are a couple of my favorites. As are their thick shakes.

In fact, I tried to temper your expectations in the very first blog I wrote about Whataburger coming to Kansas City:

I don't want to over-hype it for you though. Whataburger is definitely fast food in the vein of McDonald's, Burger King, Sonic, or Wendy's. It's definitely not a step up like Freddy's or Culver's. Yet, you will be paying prices more in line with Freddy's and Culver's than the king or the clown.

So if you've been waiting in anticipation of Whataburger's opening in Lee's Summit, just don't go in expecting too much.

Expect a variety of spicey and tasty burgers like their Hatch Green Chile Burger, the Jalapeno & Cheese Whataburger, Sweet & Spicy Bacon Burger, and the Avacodo Bacon Burger. Expect thick shakes that'll take some time to thaw before you can drink them. And there's no Heinz ketchup at Whataburger, they have their own ketchup, mustard, and spicy ketchup. Expect a big burger too. One that'll put the Big Mac and Whopper to shame.

Don't expect it to be gourmet. That's not Whataburger. Don't expect it to be like Culver's or Freddy's. It's not. And expect it to cost a little bit more than McDonald's, Wendy's and Burger King.

If you go in with these managed expectations, I think you'll come away having enjoyed a great meal.

Whataburger in Lee's Summit opens today at 11:00 AM and the restaurant is located at 1450 N.E. Douglas St. in Lee’s Summit. The chain says they expect the Independence location on Highway 40 to open on Monday, November 29. The Lee's Summit Police Department says, "Expect traffic delays in the area of NE Douglas between I-470 and NE Tudor Rd, specifically near NE Mulberry and NE Victoria!!" 

Read on to check out some of the items and sandwiches Whataburger has on their menu.

Heading to Whataburger? Here's Some of the Items On Their Menu

If you're heading to one of the new Kansas City area Whataburger stores, here are some of the items on the Whataburger Menu you can try. Whataburger will be opening up 14 stores in the Kansas City area.

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