Fatburger Returns to Florida: 40 New Locations Coming Soon!

Brevard County, Florida, USA - There’s exciting news for food lovers in Florida as Fatburger is gearing up for a major comeback in the Sunshine State. Over the next decade, 40 new Fatburger locations will dot the Florida landscape, reflecting a commitment by FAT Brands and franchisee Whole Factor Inc. to expand the beloved chain. This bold expansion follows a previous effort that focused on opening 14 restaurants in the Orlando and Tampa areas, signaling a robust interest in bringing gourmet burgers to a market that’s ripe for growth.

Since the chain’s initial return to Florida—in 2023 and 2024 with openings in Tampa and Celebration, respectively—Fatburger has seen a positive response. Taylor Wiederhorn, co-CEO of FAT Brands, mentioned that after a 20-year absence, the chain’s re-entry has met strong demand. It’s clear that Floridians are excited to welcome back this iconic brand. Whole Factor is taking the reins on this expansion, and they’re already making strides with plans to open a new store in Orange Park by the end of the year.

The Expansion Details

The multi-unit franchise deal, reportedly worth 40 units, is spearheaded by Spike Garcha, president of Whole Factor. He believes Florida has been underserved by West Coast brands—a sentiment echoed by Ravi Singh, secretary of Whole Factor. With real estate options being limited in metropolitan hubs, the company is wisely looking beyond Tampa and Orlando for its future locations. This strategic move aligns well with the growing trend of franchise businesses in areas with less competition and lower costs.

• The Riverview location opened its doors in 2023.
• The Celebration branch followed suit in February 2024.

Fatburger is not just about location; it’s about the food. The brand has built a reputation over its 70-plus years of service for hand-pressed beef patties and customizable burgers, alongside a delightful array of sides like fries and milkshakes. To provide a taste of their commitment to quality, the Riverview location has menu items priced accessibly, such as the original Fatburger at $7.99 and a meal at $10.49.

The Bigger Picture

In a broader context, the restaurant franchising industry is experiencing transformational growth, driven by evolving consumer preferences and technological advancements. As highlighted by Forbes, the landscape is shifting toward agility and data-driven strategies that enhance customer experience and streamline operations. This shift is particularly relevant for franchises like Fatburger, who are eager to tap into Florida’s burgeoning market.

The U.S. franchise sector is poised to see remarkable growth in 2025, with the forecast indicating over 821,000 franchised units will emerge, creating nearly 250,000 jobs. Florida, in particular, is becoming a hotspot for franchise expansion, encouraged by favorable taxation and a steadily growing population.

Interestingly, Fatburger plans to innovate continuously within this framework; it aims to incorporate technology effectively to meet modern demands. Automation, mobile ordering, and menu adaptability to consumer preferences, including healthier and eco-conscious options, are now standard practices that are reshaping food service operations.

The landscape of fast food is undeniably shifting. With competitive chains like Fatburger returning with renewed vigor, aficionados can look forward to enjoying not just nostalgic culinary offerings but a fresh approach to dining that aligns well with contemporary tastes and preferences.

With the promise of additional locations and enhanced customer experiences on the horizon, Florida’s community of burger enthusiasts has much to anticipate. The Fatburger resurgence is indeed a tantalizing prospect in the ever-evolving food culture of our beloved state.

For full details on this exciting expansion, you can explore Fox 35 Orlando, Franchise Times, and Forbes for more insights: Fox 35 Orlando, Franchise Times, and Forbes.