portascat,
As a native Texan, I don't know how you can mention Whataburger and Wendy's in the same sentence. (OK, in the same paragraph.)
Wendy's is the only chain I avoid. Their dopy square patty hamburgers are tasteless and their chili is not worthy of that name, but is some kind of vegetable soup.
As for chains, Whataburger is a favorite... unless I can find a Fudruckers nearby. You choose how much meat you want on your patty, then you build your own hamburger like you want it at the salad/condiments bar. And they offer REAL mayonaise, unlike Whataburger, that only uses "Texas mayonaise" (Miracle whip).