Whataburger With most locations open 24 hours, its made-to-order juicy burgers and crispy thin fries are the perfect late night snack. If you’re a sauce person, the fancy or spicy ketchup is great to lock in the flavor. The eight previous Bay area locations closed long ago, but Whataburger is slated to reopen in Wesley Chapel and Largo as early as 2026. Credit: Photo via Whataburger
There’s going to be yet another place other than McDonald’s for your 2 a.m. cravings.

After popping-up in downtown Tampa last year, Whataburger is finally making good on its promise to reopen in the Tampa Bay area.

Whataburger officially confirmed its opening in Wesley Chapel as early as 2026, according to Wesley Chapel Local, which found a permit for construction over the weekend.

The 24-hour fast food joint will be located at 25340 Sierra Center Blvd. by Tampa Premium Outlets in the old Aussie Grill building right off State Road 54.

WFLA adds that the establishment will undergo a full interior and exterior renovation along with a revamped dining area that emulates the laid-back Whataburger vibe.

And just Tuesday morning, St. Pete Rising shared another Whataburger plan to open in Largo at 10150 Ulmerton Rd. in the former Joella’s Hot Chicken.

The Texas-based chain has taken its made-to-order burgers and iconic orange and white stripes to just over 1,130 locations across 17 states as of 2025.

In 1959, Whataburger opened its first location outside of the Lone Star State in Pensacola. Now, there are 46 establishments in Florida, so what better way to celebrate the 75 year milestone with another.

As previously reported Tampa Bay was once home to at least eight Whataburger locations in the late-’90s and early-2000s, however they’ve all since closed.

UPDATED 06/24/25 10:26 a.m. Updated with yet another forthcoming Whataburger, in Largo.

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This article appears in Jun 19-25, 2025.