Purchase Price | $3,220,000 |
---|---|
Annual Rental Income | $185,650 |
Cap Rate | 5.75% |
Lease Term | 16 Years |
City | Nashville MSA |
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Whataburger Net Lease Investment – Nashville MSA
Single-Tenant QSR Asset in a Top-Performing Southeastern Market
This offering provides the opportunity to acquire a single-tenant Whataburger property in the heart of the Nashville, Tennessee metropolitan statistical area (MSA). The asset is backed by a long-term absolute triple-net lease, providing passive, management-free income secured by one of the most well-known and fastest-growing quick-service restaurant (QSR) brands in the country. With robust surrounding demographics, a strategic suburban location, and excellent real estate fundamentals, this property checks all the boxes for investors seeking durable income and long-term upside in one of the Southeast’s most dynamic growth markets.
Whataburger continues to expand its Southeast footprint, and its growing presence in Tennessee is aligned with the state’s explosive population growth and consumer demand. As the brand builds out its network of drive-thru-oriented sites in regional power centers, Nashville has emerged as a target market for long-term strategic placement.
Tenant Overview – Whataburger
Founded in 1950, Whataburger has established itself as a dominant player in the regional QSR market, with nearly 1,000 locations across 14 states. Known for its made-to-order burgers, 24-hour service model, and signature orange-and-white branding, the company has developed a passionate customer base throughout the Southern U.S.
In recent years, Whataburger has expanded rapidly into high-growth markets such as Nashville, Atlanta, Charlotte, and Tampa, backed by private equity capital from BDT Capital Partners and executed by sophisticated multi-unit operators. The Tennessee expansion has been met with overwhelming consumer response and strong store-level performance. Whataburger sites are typically designed with dual-lane drive-thrus, mobile ordering capability, and efficient interior layouts to maximize throughput and revenue across all dayparts.
As a tenant, Whataburger is known for consistent sales performance, long-term site retention, and robust brand loyalty—making it one of the most attractive QSR tenants in today’s net lease market.
Nashville MSA – Explosive Growth and Economic Resilience
The Nashville MSA is one of the most vibrant and fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the United States. With a population exceeding 2 million and rising, the region continues to attract businesses, residents, and capital from across the country. Key factors driving Nashville’s expansion include a diversified economic base, attractive cost of living, pro-business climate, and unmatched cultural appeal.
Major employers in the region span sectors such as healthcare, education, finance, logistics, music, and technology. Institutions such as Vanderbilt University, HCA Healthcare, Nissan North America, Amazon, and Bridgestone anchor a diverse employment ecosystem that fuels wage growth and consumer spending. The city also hosts several major sporting venues and music festivals that contribute to its year-round tourism and hospitality economy.
Tennessee’s tax-friendly policies, including no state income tax and a favorable corporate tax environment, continue to draw new residents and businesses. The result is a metro with sustained real estate demand, strong rental fundamentals, and high barriers to entry in core submarkets.
Fully Passive Absolute NNN Lease
The property is secured by an absolute triple-net lease that places full responsibility for all operating expenses—including taxes, insurance, maintenance, and capital expenditures—on the tenant. This lease structure provides the investor with completely passive income, minimal exposure to property-level risk, and predictable cash flow for the duration of the lease.
For buyers executing a 1031 exchange, constructing a net lease portfolio, or seeking long-term wealth preservation, this Whataburger property offers the financial stability, credit-backed tenancy, and passive ownership profile that align with today’s most desirable investment criteria. Built-in rent escalations further enhance yield over time, offering a hedge against inflation while maintaining a reliable income stream.
High-Traffic Location with Retail Synergy
The Whataburger property is strategically located along a heavily trafficked commercial corridor with visibility to over 35,000 vehicles per day. Situated in a well-established suburb within the Nashville MSA, the location benefits from strong daytime and evening activity from surrounding residential communities, schools, medical centers, and local employers.
Neighboring national brands include Walmart Supercenter, Kroger, Publix, Lowe’s, Starbucks, Walgreens, Chick-fil-A, and national fuel stations, among others. This co-tenancy ensures a steady flow of consumers and reinforces Whataburger’s presence as a destination brand in the trade area.
The property is surrounded by recently constructed subdivisions and planned residential developments, reflecting strong market confidence and continued in-migration into Nashville’s suburban rings. These rooftops support multi-daypart traffic to the site, including breakfast commuters, lunchtime employees, and dinner service for local families.
Tennessee – Business-Friendly, Tax-Advantaged Market
Tennessee continues to rank among the top states in the country for business investment, population growth, and tax climate. With no personal income tax, a low cost of doing business, and a growing reputation as a logistics and tech hub, Tennessee has attracted billions of dollars in new development and infrastructure investment over the past decade.
Nashville in particular benefits from its central location within a one-day drive of over 75 percent of the U.S. population, making it a vital node for both commerce and culture. Corporate relocations, healthcare expansions, and regional headquarters have further boosted demand for both housing and retail services throughout the metro.
As a result, commercial assets in the Nashville area—particularly single-tenant retail in high-growth corridors—have seen strong absorption, rental growth, and valuation gains. The combination of low tax exposure, growing population, and limited supply of new pad sites makes Whataburger-leased properties in the Nashville MSA highly desirable for long-term net lease investment.
Demographic Profile and Consumer Base
The trade area features a strong mix of demographics, offering reliable traffic across all dayparts and a deep consumer base for long-term tenant success. Whataburger’s core customer aligns with the suburban, family-oriented demographic found throughout Nashville’s fastest-growing communities.
Investment Highlights
Conclusion
This Whataburger property in the Nashville MSA presents a rare opportunity to acquire a passive, income-producing asset backed by a nationally recognized tenant in a high-growth Southeastern market. With a long-term absolute NNN lease, zero landlord responsibilities, and a strategic suburban location surrounded by dense rooftops and major national retailers, this offering delivers both income stability and strong long-term real estate fundamentals.
As Nashville continues its rapid expansion and Whataburger deepens its footprint across Tennessee, this asset offers a compelling combination of tenant credit, lease structure, and market positioning. Whether for portfolio diversification, wealth preservation, or a 1031 exchange, this Whataburger represents an exceptional net lease investment opportunity in one of the most resilient metros in the United States.