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Whataburger is coming back to Tampa Bay

The company announced plans to open multiple locations in the area in 2026.

By Colin Wolf on Fri, Aug 9, 2024 at 5:31 pm

Photo via Whataburger

It's been decades since a Whataburger has set foot in the Tampa Bay region, but the Texas-based burger chain is ready to give it another shot.

This morning, at a food truck event to downtown Tampa, the company announced plans to open multiple locations in the area by 2026.

No exact opening dates or locations were disclosed, but the company promises that the the "new locations will bring the classic Whataburger menu to Florida while creating job opportunities and partnerships within the community."

The chain is known for staying open 24 hours, and features everything from its signature "Whataburger" to chicken strip sandwiches, milkshakes, breakfast items and even salads.

Tampa Bay once had multiple (at least eight) Whataburger locations in the late-'90s and early-2000s, however they've all since closed.

The chain—one of many that Tampa Bay fast-food lovers crave—currently has over 1,030 locations across 16 states, including Florida.

Slideshow

25 fast-food chains that aren’t in Tampa Bay, but need to be

In-N-Out Burger In-N-Out is a cult classic, plain and simple. The So-Cal native burger chain has been referenced in verses from Childish Gambino and received the stamp of approval from Mayor of Flavortown himself, Guy Fieri. Supposedly, the chain even contributed to Tupac and Biggies East Coast/West Coast rivalry, by pitting In-N-Out against Shake Shack. Some say that keeping close to the Golden State adds to In-N-Outs novelty appeal, but isnt it high time to settle the feud once and for all? Photo via In-N-Out Burger/Facebook

Bonchon This Korean-fried chicken chain is arguably the best Korean-fried chicken chain, and we're not the only ones who agree, it has a massive cult following. Unfortunately, the only Florida locations are in Orlando and Jacksonville. Hurry up and give us that Bibibmbap! Photo via Biggby Coffee/Facebook

Bojangles Famous Chicken and Biscuits Bojangles never-frozen chicken is delivered daily and its culinary wizards crank out a batch of biscuits every 20 minutes on average. Needless to say, its good stuff. Unfortunately, this southern staple of chicken frying and fresh biscuit baking is woefully absent in the Bay. There are three Bojangles in Jacksonville. Three! Get it together Bojangles! Photo via Bojangles/Facebook

Fatburger Fatburgers name may sound like the brainchild of some early aughts Nickelodeon sitcom, but we can assure you that this burger chain is very real. Speaking of real, Fatburger uses never frozen, 100% USDA lean beef, and its massive patties dont hit the grill until you place your order. With locations in every continent except Australia and Antarctica, Fatburger has to come to the Bay at some point, right? Photo via Fatburger/Facebook

Del Taco If youre really craving Del Taco, you arent totally shit-out-of-luck. This Mexican/Americana fast food haven has a location in Orlando. Del Tacos fresh ingredients, vegan options and low prices might even make it worth the drive. Honestly, though, we want to try some secret menu hacks over here in the Bay. Supposedly, if you say go bold at the end of your order, they put crinkle-cut fries on your taco, or burrito, or burger or whatever. Intriguing. Photo via Del Taco/Facebook

Wienerschnitzel Wienerschnitzel serves burgers, sandwiches and breakfast, but the real draw is the dogs. Smothered in chili, battered and fried or just stuck in a bun, Wienerschnitzel is the largest hot dog chain in the world. In the words of Wienerschnitzel itself, Nobody should have to live without Wienerschnitzel. Well here we are, living without a Wienerschnitzel. Photo via Wienerschnitzel/Facebook

Jack In The Box Ever struggle to decide between picking up tacos or going out for burgers? Well, Jack In The Box could solve this, and a variety of other snack-related problems, if it would grace us with its presence. Unfortunately, if you you want to try Jack In The Boxs famous purple Coca-Colas and sourdough bacon burgers, youll need to start heading west. The chains closest location is in Houston for now. Photo via Jack In The Box/Facebook

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About The Author

Colin Wolf

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Colin Wolf has been working with weekly newspapers since 2007 and has been the Digital Editor for Creative Loafing Tampa since 2019. He is also the Director of Digital Content Strategy for CL's parent company, Chava Communications.

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