FOOD
First of two Whataburger locations in SW Florida to open in September
Robyn GeorgeFort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News
Aug. 20, 2026, 5:03 a.m. ET
- A second location is planned for a fall opening in the Coconut Point area of Estero.
- The new Fort Myers restaurant is currently in the process of hiring and training staff.
The fence is down, the sign is up, and the wait is almost over
Whataburger is set to open its first of two Southwest Florida locations in early September an account executive with the company
It will make its highly anticipated debut at 12916 S. Cleveland Ave. in south Fort Myers — with Mission BBQ and Carrabba’s on one side and Olive Garden on the other — in the building that previously housed Aussie Grill and Boston Market
Henriksen also saidg and training staff
The wildly popular San Antonio-based fast-food chain, celebrating its 75th year, is known for its Texas-sized burgers, from two-handed singles to towering triple meats. Melts, chicken sandwiches, salads, fries, onion rings and more are also on the menu. Breakfast runs from 11 p.m. to 11 a.m
Some menu items in growth markets like Southwest Florida may differ slightly from those at Texas locations, but all the favorites will be coming here, including the honey butter chicken biscuit
And like most Whataburger locations, after making its debut, the Fort Myers location will be open 24-hours a day, seven days a week, except on Christmas
And there’s more big burger news
Henriksen also confirmed they’re targeting a fall opening for a second Southwest Florida location — this one in the Coconut Point area at 22927 Lyden Drive, off US 41 in Estero. Construction on the space Pollo Tropical called home is currently underway
Whataburger prides itself on being a hometown hamburger place with original recipes made to order and for its customer service
In 2024, it was recognized by USA Today in the 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Fast Food Breakfast, Best Fast Food Burger for the Double Meat Whataburger, Best Fast Food Fries, and Best Regional Fast Food lists
Whataburger has more than 1,100 locations in 17 states throughout the U.S. There are more than 40 in Florida with multiple stores in Jacksonville, Pensacola and Tallahassee. The latest opened earlier this month near the University of Central Florida in Orlando
According to Henriksen, another announcement on the opening of the Fort Myers location is expected in the next week or two
We’ll be eagerly counting down the days
Robyn George is a food and dining reporter for The News-Press. Connect at rhgeorge@fortmyer.gannett.com
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