Yahoo Finance Whataburger is expanding south in Florida. See where the locations are and what’s next
Whataburger, a little hamburger stand that started in Texas and grew into a national chain, could be opening its southernmost location so far in Florida.
There are now 45 Whataburger franchise locations in Florida, but none farther south than St. Augustine. That could change with plans for the Bradenton area, on the state’s Gulf Coast.
Joseph Bermudez of Downers Grove, Illinois, submitted paperwork for a pre-application meeting on Whataburger with Manatee County Development Services on May 30, meaning that it might be a while before burger lovers actually get their hands on one.
The leasing plan for the Marketplace at Heritage Harbour shopping center shows a proposed 3,505-square-foot burger restaurant on its southeast corner, near the intersection of State Road 64 and Heritage Harbour Parkway.
MORE: Whataburger debuts new limited-time burger. Here’s when and what to know
The planned Whataburger franchise would bring something new to the local burger wars, as well as a step closer to South Florida.
Among those already dug in are Shake Shack, Five Guys, McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, BurgerFi, Culver’s.
What about Whataburger?
Whataburger founder Harmon Dobson had a goal of serving a burger so big it took two hands to hold and so good that with one bite customers would say, “What a burger,” according to company history.
“He succeeded on both counts and turned that one little burger stand into a legend loved throughout Texas and the South,” the company said.
Today, there are more than 1,000 Whataburger franchises across 15 states.
“Each and every Whataburger is made to order, right when it’s ordered. And they’re still made with 100 percent pure, never-frozen beef and served on a big toasted five-inch bun with all ‘the extras’ to suit your taste.
“Grilled jalapeños, extra bacon, three slices of cheese, no tomatoes, extra pickles? No problem. Your Whataburger will be made just like you like it, 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” the company said.
Whataburger in Florida
Locations: Calloway, Cantonment, Century, Crestview, DeFuniak Springs, Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Gulf Breeze, Jacksonville, Lynn Haven, Middleburg, Milton, Navarre, Neptune Beach, Niceville, Orange Park, Pace, Panama City Beach, Pensacola, Sandestin, St. Johns, St. Augustine
