If you think Port Charlotte's new Whataburger will quietly open its doors and go unnoticed, the scene in Fort Myers yesterday suggests otherwise.
Port Charlotte, you might want to start preparing now.
Because Whataburger's first Southwest Florida location just opened in Fort Myers—and judging from what happened when the doors opened, the arrival of Port Charlotte's location could be quite an event. We're talking crowds. Lines. And a drive-thru backed up for what looked like several blocks.
The photographs accompanying this story were taken at the Fort Myers opening and give us a pretty good preview of what may be coming our way. And if you're a Whataburger fan, that's probably exciting news. If you're planning to drive anywhere near the Port Charlotte location that day, you may want to plan accordingly.
Fort Myers Was Packed
When Whataburger opened its Fort Myers restaurant Thursday, Sept. 10, customers were already lined up and waiting.
The restaurant opened at 12916 S. Cleveland Ave. at 11 a.m. The location is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, except Christmas.
See the Fort Myers Whataburger on Google Maps
But the bigger story may have been outside. The drive-thru line stretched into the surrounding area, with cars waiting well beyond the immediate restaurant property. And this wasn't exactly unexpected.
Whataburger has developed a famously loyal following, and recent Florida openings have shown that plenty of people are willing to wait when a new location arrives in their area.
In Fort Myers, the first two customers inside and the first two vehicles in the drive-thru were even promised free Whataburger for a year. The first 80 people in line and first 20 cars were also slated to receive Whataburger swag bags. That certainly didn't hurt the turnout.
Now It's Port Charlotte's Turn
The Port Charlotte Whataburger is planned for 1470 Tamiami Trail, near Veterans Boulevard and El Jobean Road. Charlotte County project records identify it as a 2,571-square-foot restaurant with drive-thru facilities, parking and associated infrastructure, and county development records have listed the project as under construction.
See the future Port Charlotte Whataburger site on Google Maps
Why All the Fuss?
For people unfamiliar with Whataburger, the reaction might seem a little excessive. It's a hamburger.
But Whataburger isn't just another hamburger chain to its fans.
The company has been around since 1950 and has built a fiercely loyal customer base around its made-to-order burgers, breakfast menu, shakes and distinctive orange-and-white branding.
And when a new restaurant opens in a market where people have been waiting for it, the opening itself becomes an event. Fort Myers proved that Thursday. Port Charlotte could be next.
So When Does Port Charlotte Open?
That's the one question we don't have an official answer to yet.
An official grand-opening date has not been announced. The Fort Myers opening, however, gives us a pretty good idea of what to expect.
The Fort Myers restaurant used two drive-thru lanes during the grand-opening rush, and company officials have indicated that the extraordinary lines seen during new openings generally ease once the initial excitement settles down. In other words, the madness probably won't last forever. But opening day? That's another story.
So when that orange-and-white sign finally lights up in Port Charlotte, don't be surprised if the parking lot fills quickly, the dining room is packed and the drive-thru becomes a very long line.
Fort Myers got its Whataburger yesterday.
Port Charlotte's is coming.
And if you're planning to be there on opening day,
there's really only one question left:
39 Comments
Join the conversation
I’m from out of state and always wondered what makes Whataburger so special. Maybe I’ll find out soon in Port Charlotte.
Chris L.Welcome! I think you’ll see why folks get so hooked. It’s definitely more than just a typical burger joint.
I really love that Whataburger has built this culture around it. More than just food, it’s an experience for fans.
Melissa N.Yes! It’s like a whole vibe around Whataburger fans. You get great food plus that community feel.
The fact they have two drive-thru lanes helps, but still the lines will kill me. Hope they manage well.
Patrick V.Yeah, two lanes help, but I bet it'll still be a mad rush at first. Hopefully they'll have enough staff to keep things moving.
If you plan on visiting the new Port Charlotte Whataburger, bring water and patience! Looks like a long wait is expected.
Anna S.Good advice! I’ve heard the lines can get ridiculous, so staying hydrated and patient is a must for sure.
I lived in Texas before and Whataburger was a staple. Nice to see it spreading here in Florida as well.
I don’t get lines like this for fast food. Probably will just wait a couple weeks and hit it up when no one’s there.
Chelsea R.Smart move. I’m definitely waiting a little while so I don’t deal with the chaos on day one.
What I’m really interested in is seeing how their hours affect the busy times since it’s open 24/7 now.
Sean D.Same here. If it’s open 24/7, maybe the late-night hours won’t be as crazy as daytime openings. Could be cool for night owls.
Waiting in line for an hour for a burger? Might do it once, but not regularly. Glad the madness dies down eventually.
Lauren M.Exactly, one time might be worth it for the experience. But after that, I’ll wait for the crowds to die down too.
I wonder if the sweeps giveaways at Fort Myers helped just hype it up or if the food lives up to expectations?
Ethan F.I tried it last week in Fort Myers, and honestly the food was pretty tasty. The giveaways just added to the excitement, but the burgers held up.
It’s kind of funny how a burger joint opening becomes a whole community event. Shows how much people love these places.
Whataburger’s branding is so distinct with that orange and white look. Always catches the eye right away.
Tom H.Exactly! That orange and white color scheme is so recognizable. You see it from far away and immediately know it’s Whataburger.
Anyone tried their breakfast menu? I heard it’s actually really good and not just the burgers.
Jessica K.I tried the breakfast there. The taquitos and biscuits are legit! Worth checking out if you’re an early riser.
I’m planning to show up early day one in Port Charlotte. I want to see what all the fuss is about!
Ron J.Bold move! Show us how it’s done and let us know if it really lives up to the hype.
It’s nice to have a new food option, but I hope the local traffic cops have a plan. Lines that long could get dangerous.
I live near the Fort Myers location. It was wild. Cars everywhere. I hope the Port Charlotte spot has better parking.
Did anyone notice they gave out swag bags? That’s a clever way to lure crowds and build a fanbase fast.
Nina PatelTotally! I got one of those swag bags when I went. Nice little bonus that makes you feel part of the new hype.
I remember when a Five Guys opened nearby and it was total chaos too. Seems like that’s what happens with any popular spot.
I’m skeptical. It’s just burgers, I don’t get the hype. Will skip the madness and try it when things settle down.
I actually love that Whataburger is 24/7. Late night cravings here I come! Hope the Port Charlotte one opens soon.
Emily G.Late night snack run just got better. Hope we see that Port Charlotte opening date soon too!
Drive-thru backed up for blocks? Sounds like a fun event if you’re a Whataburger fan, but a pain if you’re just trying to get home.
Great to see Port Charlotte getting something new! Hope they manage the crowd better than some local spots do.
Maggie P.I hope so too! Some places just can’t handle that first day rush very well. Fingers crossed Whataburger has it together.
Free Whataburger for a year? Now that’s the kind of prize that would make me go crazy and wait in line!
Carlos M.Haha, me too! Getting free Whataburger for a whole year would be amazing. I’d camp out for that prize.
Honestly, I never tried Whataburger before until Fort Myers opened. It’s good but not sure if I’d wait hours.
I wonder if the long lines will make traffic near Tamiami Trail a nightmare. We shall see!