Whataburger Orlando is officially returning after 17 years with a new East Colonial Drive restaurant. Here’s everything we know about the expansion.

Burger fans in Central Florida finally have something to celebrate. After months of permit filings, construction speculation, and growing excitement among longtime fans, Whataburger has officially confirmed its return to the Orlando market. The Texas-based fast-food chain will open its first Orlando-area restaurant in nearly 17 years, marking another major step in its rapid expansion across Florida. For many longtime Central Florida residents, this announcement is more than just another restaurant opening. It marks the return of a brand that once operated multiple locations in the area before leaving the Orlando market in 2009.

First Orlando Whataburger Location Confirmed

The first new Orlando-area Whataburger will be located at: 12305 E. Colonial Drive. The restaurant will occupy the former Aussie Grill building inside Town Park Shopping Center, just east of the University of Central Florida near Waterford Lakes. Orange County permit records show the existing building is being converted into a standard Whataburger restaurant featuring:

• Drive-thru service
• New menu boards
• Directional signage
• Canopy improvements
• Approximately 2,554 square feet of restaurant space
• Indoor seating for 48 guests

The location sits along one of Orlando’s busiest commercial corridors, making it easily accessible for UCF students, East Orlando residents, and visitors traveling between downtown Orlando and the Space Coast.

When Will It Open?

According to a Whataburger spokesperson, the restaurant is expected to open in late summer or early fall 2026. Earlier reporting from the Orlando Business Journal indicated the company is targeting early September for the grand opening, although an exact opening date has not yet been officially announced. As construction continues, fans can expect additional announcements regarding hiring, grand opening festivities, and operating hours.

Whataburger Orlando Is Just the Beginning

The East Colonial Drive restaurant may only be the first phase of Whataburger’s Central Florida expansion. According to Orlando Business Journal, company filings reveal plans for a second Orlando-area restaurant in Altamonte Springs. That development suggests Whataburger intends to establish a long-term presence in Central Florida rather than operate a single flagship location. The expansion follows several recent openings across the Tampa Bay region, where Whataburger has aggressively entered new markets throughout 2026.

Whataburger Orlando: A Long-Awaited Return

Although many younger residents have never had the opportunity to visit a Whataburger Orlando location, the chain previously operated multiple restaurants throughout Central Florida. Those locations, including restaurants in Orlando and Ocala, closed in 2009 after struggling financially during the recession. Since then, Florida fans have typically traveled to Jacksonville, the Florida Panhandle, or, more recently, Tampa Bay to satisfy their cravings for Whataburger’s signature burgers and breakfast menu. The announcement represents the first time the company has committed to returning to Orlando in nearly two decades.

What Makes Whataburger So Popular?

Founded in Corpus Christi, Texas, in 1950, Whataburger has grown into one of America’s most recognizable regional burger chains. Today, the company operates more than 1,000 restaurants across 17 states. Some of its most popular menu items include:

• Original Whataburger
• Patty Melt
• Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit
• Breakfast on a Bun
• Taquitos
• Spicy Ketchup
• Fancy Ketchup

Unlike many fast-food competitors, Whataburger prepares burgers to order and offers an extensive list of customization options, helping build a loyal customer following throughout the South.

Orlando’s Burger Competition Gets Even Stronger

The return of Whataburger Orlando further strengthens the area’s already competitive quick-service dining market. Guests now have access to an expanding lineup that includes:

• Five Guys
• Culver’s
• Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
• Shake Shack
• BurgerFi
• White Castle
• Jack in the Box
• Numerous local burger restaurants

Interestingly, Orlando remains one of the largest metropolitan areas in the country without an In-N-Out Burger, making Whataburger’s arrival even more significant for burger enthusiasts.

Whataburger Orlando: Florida Continues to Be a Major Growth Market

Florida has become one of Whataburger’s fastest-growing expansion markets. Following successful growth in Jacksonville and the Florida Panhandle, the company has rapidly expanded into the Tampa Bay region before now turning its attention to Central Florida. With additional locations already planned, Orlando appears poised to become one of the chain’s newest regional hubs.

For years, Central Florida residents have watched Whataburger expand into other parts of the state while wondering whether Orlando would ever make the list. Now, after a 17-year absence, the answer is finally yes.

Whether you’re a longtime fan eager to relive old memories or someone planning to try Whataburger for the first time, the chain’s return gives Orlando another notable dining destination, and likely won’t be the last restaurant the company opens in the region. As construction progresses and an official opening date is announced, we’ll continue following the latest developments.

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