Home / Business and Economy / Whataburger Announces Expansion into Tampa Bay, 8 Locations Planned by 2027
Whataburger Announces Expansion into Tampa Bay, 8 Locations Planned by 2027
16 Nov
Summary
- Whataburger to open first Tampa Bay restaurant in Largo in February 2025
- Company plans 8 locations in the region by end of 2027, each bringing 50-100 jobs
- Largo mayor welcomes Whataburger's return, calls it a great addition to the city
In a significant move, the Texas-based burger chain Whataburger is set to return to the Tampa Bay area in February 2025. The company will open its first restaurant in the region at 10150 Ulmerton Road near Largo Mall, marking the brand's comeback after a previous location closed around 20 years ago.
Whataburger's chief people officer, Peggy Rubenzer, expressed excitement about the company's expansion into Largo, stating it as an "honor to begin our connection with the community." The plan is to open a total of 8 Whataburger locations in the Tampa Bay area by the end of 2027, each bringing 50 to 100 new jobs to the local economy.
Largo Mayor Woody Brown welcomed the addition, calling it a "great place to live, work, play and to own a business." He said the city is "thrilled to welcome Whataburger back to the Tampa Bay and to Largo," emphasizing the brand's significance in the region.
In the lead-up to the Largo opening, Whataburger has been engaging with the community, delivering meals to 150 Hillsborough County elementary school students and donating $10,000 to Feeding Tampa Bay's school pantry program. This community-focused approach is expected to further strengthen the brand's connection with local residents.
