LARGO — Following the November ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Whataburger franchise’s return to Largo, the main question for residents was when will it open.
According to the company’s website, the answer is Thursday, Feb. 12, as the popular Texas-based burger chain prepares to reenter the Tampa Bay market following a 20-year absence with a massive opening day.
“This is an incredibly exciting moment for us to be in Largo,” said Peggy Rubenzer, Whataburger’s chief people officer, during a Nov. 5 ceremony at the orange-and-white restaurant located at 10150 Ulmerton Rd.
“It’s an honor to begin our connection with the community.”
While a franchisee had opened a Whataburger a few miles away roughly two decades ago, the new store near the Largo Mall promises to be a hub for fans of the franchise’s signature made-to-order burgers and other menu items that are available 24 hours a day
“Largo is known as a great place to live, work, play and to own a business,” Mayor Woody Brown said.
“On behalf of the commission and residents, we are thrilled to welcome Whataburger back to the Tampa Bay and to Largo. Welcome to the neighborhood.”
Visit the Whataburger Largo website or Facebook page for more information on the grand opening festivities.
East Bay Drive eateries
It has been a while for updates on the burgeoning Largo business scene, but there have been a few new restaurants that have opened on East Bay Drive.
Fans of fried chicken can rejoice. Golden Fried Chicken at 4535 E. Bay Drive has finally opened after months of anticipation.
The drive-thru and buffet restaurant, owned by the proprietors of Fray’s Donut House, specializes in golden fried chicken, served in a variety of ways, including wings, tenders, sandwiches and family meals.
The eatery also serves Krispy fish, rolls and several sides, and it also features chicken livers and gizzards, menu items that can be hard to find and are considered delicacies to many, according to the employees.
A few blocks away on the other side of the street, Verrazzano’s Pizza recently opened at 4900 E. Bay Drive.
The restaurant is the newest location for the owners of Verrazzano's on Sunset Point Road in Clearwater, a popular local pizza joint that has been in business for eight years and boasts a menu that includes calzones, salads, sandwiches and more.
According to one employee, the new Verrazzano’s has been a hit in the month since it’s been open, attracting fans of the original who don’t have to travel as far as well as customers new to the New York-style eatery.
Meanwhile, progress has been made on the conversion of a former Village Inn to a Poblanos Mexican Grill and Bar at 2659 Roosevelt Blvd. in Clearwater located in a plaza behind Cheddar’s and in front of Walmart.
Last summer, owner Juan Yanuzzi said he hoped to be “open sooner” by moving into an existing restaurant space rather than another location up the road.
And while the new Poblanos signage is hanging from the building facade, the windows are still papered, and no opening date has been set yet. Stay tuned.
Coffee craze
It’s tough for any city to hold a latte to Largo when it comes to the new-coffee-shop craze.
The new Dutch Bros. location in the Keene Plaza opened to great fanfare last fall, and the shop typically has a line around the small building, a tribute to the Oregon based java chain’s immensely loyal following.
Meanwhile, the Caribou Coffee that’s reportedly coming to 4375 E. Bay Drive has yet to open, although according to the company’s website, the Largo location, is “opening soon.”
The location is drive-thru and walk-up only, with on-site amenities set to include Wi-Fi, oven-warmed food, mobile pay and patio seating as well as the Minnesota-based chain’s signature handcrafted drinks and roasted coffees, according to the website.
International flavor
A taste of Germany is coming back to Largo, as a longtime local restaurateur is in the process of opening a new Schnitzel Hous restaurant in the old Denny’s spot at 940 Missouri Ave next to Walmart.
During a Feb. 6 trip to the still-under-construction eatery, a man who identified himself as Chef William said his mother founded the original Schnitzel Haus on West Bay Drive in the 1970s and noted that he and his family have owned several German eateries here and in Germany.
“She was more of a cook,” Chef William said of his late mother. “Not so much a business owner.”
He said once he is finished converting the former casual breakfast spot into the new Schnitzel Haus, they will offer a small menu of classic German dishes as well as beers brewed locally especially for the restaurant.
“It will be a limited menu, because we're going to do a few things and do them right,” Chef William said while noting the many variations of schnitzel will receive top billing.
“And it won’t be expensive,” he said. “Because we want families to be able to come out and enjoy a good meal at a reasonable price.”