Whataburger Opens First Tampa Bay Location
The Texas-based fast-food chain Whataburger has opened its first location in the Tampa Bay area, located in Largo. The highly anticipated opening marks the company's entry into the region. The move signals the popular chain has further expansion plans within the Tampa Bay market.
- The Largo restaurant at 10150 Ulmerton Road is the first of eight Whataburger locations planned for the Tampa Bay region by the end of 2027; the next two are slated for Lutz and Brandon in the spring of 2026. - Founded by Harmon Dobson in Corpus Christi, Texas, in 1950, the chain was family-owned until 2019, when the Dobson family sold its majority stake to BDT Capital Partners, a Chicago-based investment firm, to accelerate expansion. - Whataburger's brand is defined by its iconic orange-and-white striped A-frame buildings and a menu centered on large, made-to-order burgers on five-inch buns; many locations operate 24 hours a day. - The company's breakfast menu, served from 11 p.m. to 11 a.m., includes fan-favorites like the Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit and taquitos. - As part of its entry into the Tampa Bay market, Whataburger donated $10,000 to Feeding Tampa Bay to support the organization's school pantry program. - The chain has grown to more than 1,100 restaurants across 17 states, with Debbie Stroud taking over as President and CEO in January 2025. - The first Whataburger location outside of Texas opened in Pensacola, Florida, in 1959.
