The wait is almost over for Whataburger fans in Colorado; the iconic Texas burger chain debuts the first outlet in the state next week in Colorado Springs.

Whataburger will open at 11 a.m. Wednesday at 1310 InterQuest Parkway on the city’s far north side, according to BurgerWorks Colorado, a franchisee that’s bringing the chain to the Springs. The location, northeast of InterQuest Parkway and Federal Drive, is part of the InterQuest Marketplace retail complex, east of Interstate 25.

“We’re excited to bring Whataburger’s big flavors, fresh ingredients and original recipes to Colorado,” BurgerWorks owner William Tamminga said in a news release

After Wednesday’s opening, Whataburger’s dining room will operate from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily; a double-lane drive-thru will be open 24 hours. Curbside pickup and delivery for online orders will be available in coming weeks, according to the news release.

The chain, which specializes in a variety of fresh, made-to-order burgers, has developed a fervent following since it was founded in 1950 as a small roadside stand in Corpus Christi, Texas.

It took its name from customers who were so enamored by its hamburgers that they exclaimed “what a burger!” after they tasted one, according to the restaurant chain.

Today, the Whataburger menu also includes chicken sandwiches, fries, onion rings, salads, desserts, soft drinks, shakes and breakfast items. Based in San Antonio, Whataburger now has more than 870 restaurants across 14 states.

BurgerWorks Colorado, a family-run franchisee based in Lufkin, Texas, operates 10 of the chain’s restaurants in Texas.

The InterQuest location will be the first Whataburger in Colorado Springs, but won’t be the last.

BurgerWorks says it plans to open locations this year at 6140 Dublin Blvd., East of Powers and Dublin boulevards, and at 5905 Constitution Ave., East of Powers and Constitution. The Constitution Avenue building has been used as a training center; a portion of it will be remodeled to accommodate a restaurant.