Whataburger Coming Soon to Tampa: Burger Lovers Rejoice!

Whataburger, the legendary Texas-based fast-food chain with a loyal fanbase, is set to make its mark in Tampa. To celebrate this exciting expansion, Whataburger will bring its signature food truck to Lykes Gaslight Square Park in downtown Tampa this Friday. Fans can look forward to enjoying complimentary patty melts, one of Whataburger’s most beloved menu items. Known for its made-to-order burgers, fries, and milkshakes, Whataburger also offers a popular breakfast menu available from 11 p.m. to 11 a.m. daily.

Several top executives, including CEO Ed Nelson, COO Debbie Stroud, and Chief Administrative Officer Alexander Ivannikov, will attend the promotional event. Although the exact Tampa location hasn’t been revealed yet, Whataburger has confirmed that the new store is slated to open in 2026, with additional details expected in 2025. This announcement comes on the heels of Whataburger’s 74th birthday celebration on August 8, making the Tampa expansion an even more exciting milestone.

Currently, Whataburger operates 44 locations across Florida, primarily in Jacksonville and the Panhandle. There are no locations south of Gainesville, but a recent franchise deal in June aims to bring Whataburger to Bradenton, sparking speculation about a broader expansion into the central and southern regions of the state.

As part of its ongoing growth, Whataburger launched its first location in North Carolina earlier this year. Interestingly, Whataburger is the second cult fast-food chain to enter the Tampa Bay market recently, following Cook Out, a North Carolina-based chain that acquired two former Boston Markets in Tampa this past June.

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