Whataburger, a small burger stand that started in Texas and grew into a national chain, may be opening 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, submitted paperwork for a Whataburger pre-application meeting with Manatee County Development Services on May 30, which means it could be a while before burger lovers actually get their hands on one.
The leasing plan for the Marketplace at Heritage Harbor shopping center shows a proposed 3,505-square-foot cafe on its 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 burger wars, as well as a step closer to South Florida.
Among those already excavated are Shake Barraca, Five guys, McDonalds, 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 it and so good that, with one bite, customers would say, “What a burger,” according to the history of Whataburger. company.
“He succeeded on both counts and turned that little diner into a beloved legend throughout Texas and the South,” the company said.
Today, there are more than 1,000 Whataburger franchises in 15 states.
“Each Whataburger is made to order, when you order. Plus they’re made with 100% pure, never-frozen beef and served on a large 5-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 will be made just 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. .Joões, Saint Augustine.
