Final answer:
Whataburger expanded into Mexico in the year 2005, as part of its international growth strategy and entered a new market with distinct cultural preferences outside the United States.
Step-by-step explanation:
Whataburger is a well-known fast-food restaurant chain that was founded in Corpus Christi, Texas, in 1950. With its iconic A-framed orange-and-white-striped restaurants, the brand has become a regional icon in the southern United States. The expansion into international markets marked a new chapter for the company, and Mexico was chosen as the first country outside the USA.
This move in 2005 was part of a larger trend of American fast-food chains seeking to tap into new customer bases abroad, particularly in neighboring countries. Whataburger's venture into Mexico demonstrated the brand's commitment to growth and adaptability in different cultural environments, albeit it faced challenges and competition in the new market.