Full Breakdown
Farewell to Feltner’s Whatta-Burger: 58 Years of Service End in Russellville
5/13/2026, 12:00:45 AM
Background & Legacy
Feltner’s Whatta-Burger opened 58 years ago in Russellville, Arkansas, founded by Robert “Bob” Feltner. Situated across College Avenue from Arkansas Tech University and adjacent to Interstate 40, the family-run eatery became a regional landmark known for burgers, fried pies, and milkshakes. In 2021 the restaurant was inducted into the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame, recognizing its longstanding presence in the River Valley community. The grills have gone quiet, ending a River Valley favorite.
Timeline of Key Milestones
- 2021 – Induction into the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame.
- May 9, 2026 – Final day of operation; owners posted a closure announcement on social media.
Community Response on Closing Night
On the evening of May 9, 2026, hundreds of patrons assembled at the restaurant. Observers reported lines extending through the parking lot as customers placed final orders for burgers, fries, and milkshakes. The gathering included Arkansas Tech students, local families, and travelers on Interstate 40, reflecting the establishment’s multi-generational appeal. Hundreds gathered for a final burger, shake, and fries, underscoring its communal role.
Official Statements & Responses
Owners Missy Feltner Ellis and Randy Ellis communicated the closure via a Facebook post, expressing gratitude to customers for decades of support. The announcement thanked patrons for memories and post-Arkansas Tech game dinners and noted the owners’ heartbreak at ending the family-owned business after nearly six decades. The owners described the decision as deeply personal, noting their heartbreak.
Criticism & Opposition
The source material does not record any organized criticism or opposition to the closure. No public statements from community groups or officials contesting the decision were identified.
On-the-Ground Reports
Local news outlets described the final night as widely visited, noting that customers packed the restaurant and that lines stretched through the parking lot. The reports highlighted the presence of hundreds of attendees and the emotional atmosphere as the community marked the restaurant’s last service. Attendees called the scene nostalgic, recalling childhood visits.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the precise naming of the owners: two articles list “Missy and Randy Ellis,” while another uses “Missy Feltner Ellis and Randy Ellis.” The closure date is consistently given as May 9, but only one source explicitly ties it to the year 2026. A mention that “Feltner Brother’s near College Avenue in Fayetteville remains open” appears in a single source and is not corroborated elsewhere.
What’s Next
Following the closure, the site of Feltner’s Whatta-Burger in Russellville is vacant. No information has been released regarding future use of the property or potential replacement businesses. The Fayetteville location remains open.
