First Whataburger in Tampa Bay Opens in Largo
The Texas-based fast-food chain Whataburger has opened its first location in the Tampa Bay area. The new restaurant, located in Largo, began serving customers this week.
- The new restaurant represents a $1.3 million remodel of a 3,671-square-foot building at 10150 Ulmerton Road, which previously housed a Joella's Hot Chicken that closed in late 2024. - This opening marks Whataburger's return to the Tampa Bay region after exiting the market more than 15 years ago; all previous locations in the area had closed by 2009. - The Largo restaurant is the first of eight locations the company plans to open in the Tampa Bay area by the end of 2027. - Two additional locations are already planned for the spring of 2026, one in Brandon at W. Brandon Boulevard and N. Hilltop Road, and another in Lutz at State Road 54 and Sierra Center Boulevard. - This is the 48th Whataburger location in Florida, with the company operating more than 1,100 restaurants across 17 states. - As part of its re-entry into the market, Whataburger made a $10,000 donation to Feeding Tampa Bay to support local school pantry programs.
