Feltner's Whatta-Burger: An Arkansas Food Classic

With all of the hubbub going on about Whataburger coming to towns around Arkansas, we here at AY thought that we would take a moment to reflect on another famous burger joint called Feltner’s Whatta-Burger.

A 2021 Arkansas Food Hall of Fame recipient and classic drive-in style restaurant in Russellville, Feltner’s Whatta-Burger sits directly next to the campus of Arkansas Tech University.

Feltner’s Whatta-Burger all started in 1967 when Mr. Bob Feltner saw the potential to thrive in the Russellville area.

According to their website, the story goes that Mr. Feltner sat in a chair on the side of the road counting cars until he was satisfied with his ultimate decision. Years later, Bob’s daughter Missy and her husband Randy feel Bob made the right decision. The restaurant is ordinarily packed to the gills with satisfied customers. Initially only offering take-out, they expanded in recent years to accommodate indoor dining.

Bob Feltner.

“I was only ten years old when my dad opened it,” says Missy Ellis.

The interior of Feltner’s Whatta-Burger depicts a restaurant that’s proud of its community with plenty of local school pride. On the inside, you’ll notice the familiar yellow and green color scheme of the restaurant that just so happens to be the school colors of Arkansas Tech. “We encourage that small-town feel, and I’ve added things from other area schools to show that we have a love for our community,” says Ellis. “Covid was difficult for us. I had to sell some of my dad’s fishing lures to keep our employees paid, but we have good people who work here and we appreciate them.”

Missy stresses that Feltner’s Whatta-Burger is not fast food. There’s no drive-thru window, and everything prepared is made to order fresh. A unique place and an Arkansas staple, give in to your curiosity, and try one of the best burgers in the River Valley the next time you visit Russellville.