Fatburger is set to expand significantly in Florida with a new deal to open 40 locations over the next 10 years. This agreement, announced Wednesday, marks a major step for the burger chain as it strengthens its presence in the state.
The deal was signed with Whole Factor Inc., a franchise partner that had previously committed to opening 14 Fatburger units in Florida in 2021. So far, Whole Factor has opened two stores. If all planned locations are completed, Fatburger will nearly double its U.S. footprint, where it currently operates more than 80 outlets.
This expansion will shift Fatburger’s focus away from its traditional West Coast base. Taylor Wiederhorn, co-CEO and chief development officer of Fat Brands—the parent company of Fatburger—said the brand’s initial Florida stores have performed better than expected.
“Two years ago, Fatburger returned to Florida after a 20-year break. Since then, we have made strong progress,” Wiederhorn said.
The new stores will include locations in Jacksonville and other key markets. Fatburger’s current Florida stores are located in the Orlando and Tampa areas.
Fat Brands experienced rapid store growth in 2022, opening a record 142 units. While growth slowed in 2023 with 92 new stores, the company has a pipeline of more than 1,000 potential units. Fatburger’s growth strategy includes opening co-branded stores with sister brands like Buffalo Express, Hot Dog on a Stick, and Round Table Pizza, according to Fat Brands chairman Andrew Wiederhorn.
“Combining brands improves customer experience and operational efficiency,” Andrew Wiederhorn said during the company’s Q1 2025 earnings call. He added that this approach helps expand the brand’s market reach and supports continued growth.
Fatburger has not yet said if the new Florida stores will include co-branded units.
Besides co-branding, Fatburger has been expanding internationally. The company recently signed a 30-unit franchise deal for France.
The brand also opened a location in the American Airlines employee dining hall at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. According to Andrew Wiederhorn, this is the first franchise to operate inside an airport employee cafeteria.
Fat Brands sees such non-traditional venues as a potential growth area to complement its usual franchise model.
I sincerely doubt I will ever get a hamburger that looks like the one in the picture.
It will look like the one in the picture but it’s going to cost you.