Since 1967, Feltner’s Whatta-Burger, located across the street from the main entrance of campus, has been feeding Arkansas Tech students and the Russellville community. Recently, the restaurant has been awarded a spot in the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame. It is more than the mouth-watering burgers, fries and milkshakes that earned them this coveted award.
Whatta-Burger has a long and meaningful history to the Russellville and Arkansas Tech communities. For many, Feltner’s was the first food they tasted in Russellville. Russellville native, Carrie Harris Phillips’ first solid food as a toddler was Whatta-Burger french fries. Ask any kid who attended an athletic or band camp at ATU growing up where they looked forward to eating lunch every summer. You’ll likely hear Feltner’s Whatta-Burger.
The same is true today. Feltner’s is still the preferred lunch spot for prospective students and families attending Time Out for Tech or coming to town to take a tour of campus. Eating at the beloved restaurant is a non-negotiable on the list of things to do while in town for alumni as well.
Whatta-Burger is considered by many an extension of ATU. The university and the restaurant have a similar character. They are both welcoming and homey and you are greeted with more than just the aroma of greasy goodness, but also with warmth and hospitality.
Feltner’s Whatta-Burger is a prime example of the Arkansas Tech community. Whether you’re walking in as a teenager in town for band camp, a high school senior visiting for a campus tour, a current college student or an alumna or alumnus, you feel welcome, safe and accepted. You feel at home. And even after your college days are long over, when you come back to visit, it sort of feels like you never left at all. It still feels like home.
Join us in congratulating Feltner’s Whatta-Burger on this prestigious award and consider celebrating with a juicy burger and a creamy milkshake. We will be.
Read more about the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame.
