Whataburger is making its return to Orlando official: the Texas-based burger chain will open its new location at 12305 East Colonial Drive on August 6, operating around the clock seven days a week with both dine-in and drive-thru service from the start.
Grand opening festivities kick off at 11 a.m. The first two people in line — and the first two cars in the drive-thru — will score free Whataburger for a year. The first 80 people in line and the first 20 drive-thru vehicles will receive exclusive merchandise, while supplies last. Everyone waiting in line can also expect samples, including a taste of the chain's new Summer Peach Whatafresher.
The Orlando spot is the fourth Whataburger to open in Central Florida this year, following three Tampa Bay area locations that debuted in the spring. Two more locations are planned for the Fort Myers area this fall as the brand continues its Florida push.
Long-time Florida fans may remember Whataburger had a foothold in Central Florida before, with locations in Winter Park and Melbourne among others. The company exited the market in 2009 citing poor performance — making this comeback a bit of a full-circle moment for the chain, which traces its roots to Corpus Christi, Texas, in 1950.
Online ordering through the Whataburger app and website is expected to be available for the Orlando location within the coming weeks, according to FOX 35 Orlando.
