Popular Texas burger chain Whataburger seeks approval for Sarasota debut

A Whataburger drive-thru restaurant is being proposed to replace Café Baci on U.S. 41 in Sarasota, according to documents filed with Sarasota’s Development Review Committee.

The Texas-based made-to-order burger franchise has a presence across 16 states with more than 1,000 restaurants, including 45 in Florida; the Sarasota location would mark the first for the franchise in the Tampa Bay region. In addition to burgers, it sells shakes; chicken strips, wings and sandwiches; sides; salads; desserts; and breakfast.

A proposal for the Sarasota Whataburger calls for it to be located at 4001 S. Tamiami Trail, on the site of Café Baci, a locally owned Italian restaurant that closed in May 2022 after more than 30 years in business when the owner wanted to retire.