Beloved burger chain that’s ‘better than Five Guys’ confirms it will open 40 more locations in same state

A POPULAR burger joint that fans have called better than rival Five Guys has major expansion plans underway.

Under a new development deal, the chain will open 40 new spots across a key state following a 20-year absence in the area.

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A popular burger chain and Five Guys rival has set out to open 40 new locations across the next few years[/caption]

Fatburger has been serving up grilled-to-perfection and cooked-to-order burgers for over 70 years.

On July 2, FAT Brands Inc. – the parent company of Fatburger and 17 other restaurants – announced big expansion plans in the South.

The company teamed up with its franchisee Whole Factor Inc. to establish 40 new Fatburger restaurants across Florida over the next decade.

The footprint growth will see the launch of Fatburger in new areas such as Jacksonville.

“Two years ago, Fatburger made its return to the state of Florida after a 20-year absence, and we are not looking back,” said Taylor Wiederhorn, co-CEO and chief development officer of FAT Brands, in a press release last week.

“Our Riverview and Celebration locations have exceeded expectations with an incredible fanbase that loves our cooked-to-order burgers, fries, and hand-scooped milkshakes.

“Whole Factor is an excellent partner that understands what makes Fatburger such a unique, beloved brand, and their future growth will cement Fatburger as a key burger player in the state of Florida.”

Whole Factor Inc. has been increasing the presence of the Fatburger brand in Florida steadily since 2021, through a 14-unit development deal targeting Orlando and Tampa.

Two of those sites are currently open, in Riverview and Celebration.

“We are excited to grow Fatburger across the state with Whole Factor Inc., bringing our fresh, handcrafted burgers to more communities in the Tampa and Orlando areas in addition to entering the Jacksonville market,” said Spike Singh, owner of Whole Factor Inc.

“With a new store opening later this year in Orange Park near Jacksonville, we are eager to share Fatburger’s iconic menu and vibrant atmosphere with even more fans.”

A FAN FAVE

Fatburger has been in operation for more than seven decades, established in Los Angeles in 1947 by Lovie Yancey and her husband under the name Mr. Fatburger.

The couple split in 1952 and Yancey dropped “Mr.” from the namesake, growing The Last Great Hamburger Stand into what it is today.

The chain, with over 200 units across 20 countries, has built up a loyal following over the years thanks to its unique and tasty menu.

Fatburger fans can customize their burgers with everything from bacon and eggs to chili and onion rings.

Beyond its popular burgers, the chain’s menu offers up tasty options such as Fat and Skinny Fries, sweet potato fries, onion rings, chicken sandwiches, and hand-scooped milkshakes.

Foodies have praised the chain online, arguing that its food far surpasses competitors.

“This is gonna upset some people, and I do NOT care. Fatburger is better than Whataburger, In-N-Out, 5 Guys and (insert burger joint),” said one customer on Facebook.

“It’s not even close. It is so good that even though I had it for dinner, I’m gonna have it for lunch today too.“

Fatburger isn’t the only fast food joint expanding its US presence.

For example, one beloved fast food chain “better than In-N-Out” is planning to open a new store as part of 27-store expansion – see the list of locations.

Plus, “America’s favorite” fast-food chain has reopened restaurants across a key US state after abruptly closing 17 locations.

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Fatburger was established in Los Angeles in 1947[/caption]

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Fatburger is known for its grilled-to-perfection and cooked-to-order burgers[/caption]

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Fatburger is opening 40 new restaurants in Florida across the next 10 years[/caption]