Whataburger Restaurants, LP, has promoted Controller Ed Nelson to CFO for the chain’s more than 700 restaurants throughout the South and Southwest. In addition to his new title, Mr. Nelson will also retain the title of controller.

Mr. Nelson has been with the company for nearly four years, through 58 consecutive quarters of same-store sales growth, which reached more than $1 billion annually in sales. As CFO and controller, he will be responsible for providing fiscal leadership for the company by overseeing all financial reporting, evaluating operating costs and efficiencies, and providing strategic guidance during economic changes and for continued growth. The new CFO will also continue to focus on aligning Whataburger’s financial strategies with the company’s key initiatives and strengthening relationships with bank partners.

Mr. Nelson joined Whataburger in 2004 after eight years with casual dining chain Denny’s. He brings nearly 20 years of experience to the position. During his four years with the company, Mr. Nelson has improved cooperation and communication within the company and has aligned the company’s financial organization with its strategic goals.