• North Carolina's first Whataburger opened in Gastonia on Thursday. • Enthusiastic customers lined up the day before the opening to receive prizes. • The Gastonia Whataburger will operate 24/7.

Whataburger and city leaders cut the ribbon Thursday on North Carolina’s first Whataburger location situated at 3415 E. Franklin Blvd. in Gastonia.

Burger enthusiasts lined up outside of the front door as early as 4 p.m. Wednesday to be one of the first four in line and receive a Whataburger prize.

Scott Elam, who was the first in line, said he brought a chair and his laptop and worked while he waited.

Elam is a Lincolnton resident and was joined by three men from Spartanburg who also waited overnight.

They received Whataburger tumblers, coupons for 52 free burgers, hats and other items.

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