Whataburger, a small hamburger stand that started in Texas and grew into a national chain, could open its southernmost location yet in Florida.
There are now 45 Whataburger franchise locations in Florida, but none further 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, filed paperwork for a Whataburger pre-application meeting with Manatee County Development Services on May 30, meaning it could be a while before burger lovers actually get their hands on one.
The leasing plan for Heritage Harbor’s Marketplace shopping center shows a proposed 3,505-square-foot burger restaurant on the southeast corner, near the intersection of State Road 64 and Heritage Harbor Parkway.
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The planned Whataburger franchise would bring something new to the local civil wars, but also bring South Florida one step closer.
Among those already dug in are Shake Shack, Five Guys, McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, BurgerFi and Culver’s.
What about Whataburger?
Whataburger founder Harmon Dobson aimed to serve a burger so big it could be held with two hands and so delicious that with one bite, customers would say, “What a burger,” according to the company history.
“He succeeded on both counts, turning that one little burger joint into a legend beloved throughout Texas and the South,” the company said.
Today, there are more than 1,000 Whataburger franchises spread across 15 states.
“Every Whataburger is made to order, exactly when it is ordered. And they’re still made with 100 percent pure, never frozen beef and served on a large 6-inch toasted 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 is made the way 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
