The exterior of a newly built Whataburger restaurant on a sunny day, featuring the brand's iconic orange signage.Credit: Photo via Whataburger

The Whataburger hype is finally here.

The Texas-born burger chain makes its Tampa Bay debut on Thursday, Feb. 12, in Largo. The new location at 10150 Ulmerton Road (in the former Joella’s Hot Chicken) will open its doors at 11 a.m. and keep them open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

The Largo restaurant was announced in June, along with several other Tampa Bay locations.

Eight spots are planned to open across Bay area by the end of 2027, with additional restaurants already slated for Brandon and Lutz in spring 2026. The brand now operates 48 locations statewide. 

Opening-day festivities include swag bags for the first 100 guests in line, while supplies last, and a monthlong promotion offering a free Kids Meal with the purchase of any Whatameal from Feb. 12 through March 12. 

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This article appears in Feb. 05 – 11, 2026.

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