n April 2001, a joint resolution passed the Texas House and Senate that declared Whataburger, the state's beloved fast-food chain, to be a “Texas Treasure.” In the most Texan fashion imaginable, the bill honoring the burger institution was introduced by the state chair of the Texas Public Health Committee. “They deserve credit for capturing the hearts — and taste buds — of millions of Texans, including many in the House of Representatives,” Rep. Jaime Capelo said in the preamble to the vote. (The measure passed with bipartisan support.)
Nearly 20 years later, it remains true that across Texas' political disparate spectrum, Whataburger may be the only thing that Ted Cruz and Beto O'Rourkecould both admit to loving. But late last week, the state's devotion to Whataburger came under serious strain when the 69-year-old, family-owned company sold its controlling interest to a Chicago-based investment firm.
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