Whataburger Plans Eight Tampa Bay Locations by the End of 2027

Whataburger will open eight restaurants across Tampa Bay by the end of 2027. The Texas-based chain breaks ground on its first spot in Largo on November 6. This expansion will bring made-to-order meals and hundreds of jobs to the area over the next two years.

The first location sits at Ulmerton Road and 101st Street SE in Largo. Construction starts soon after next week's groundbreaking.

Three restaurants will open in 2026. Largo comes first in early 2026. Brandon follows in spring 2026 at W Brandon Boulevard and N Hilltop Road, while a third restaurant arrives at SR-54 and Sierra Center Boulevard in Lutz during summer 2026.

Five more spots will follow. The company hasn't announced specific sites or opening dates for those restaurants yet, but all eight should open by the end of 2027.

The San Antonio-based chain started in Texas back in 1950. Today, the company runs more than 1,100 restaurants across 17 states and celebrates 75 years in business this year.

Whataburger serves customizable burgers and breakfast items around the clock. The chain earned recognition from Fast Company, USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, and Newsweek's America's Best of the Best.

This expansion marks a return of national chains to the area. Tim Hortons and Bojangles have announced plans to open spots in Tampa Bay, too.