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.

In March 2023, Benderson Development purchased the property for $2.8 million. At the time, the executive director of leasing for the East Manatee County developer said the goal was to “reimagine the property,” the Business Observer reported.

The plan for Whataburger includes a 3,305-square-foot “quick service restaurant” with two drive-thru lanes and 35 parking spaces on 1.02 acres, based on materials submitted to the Development Review Committee. Drive-thru lanes would be on the east and north sides of the proposed building, with access to Whataburger from South Tamiami Trail and Roselawn Street. 

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A new walkway would provide pedestrian access from the sidewalk along South Tamiami Trail, and landscaping would offer screening around the perimeter, according to the proposal.

“A combination of brick veneer and metal finishes will accentuate the overall exterior of the building,” according to the project narrative.

Zoning for the property is commercial general district, which would allow for the drive-thru, the proposal says.

The cost for construction is estimated to be $1.8 million, according to the development application.

Project representatives will present the proposal during a pre-application conference with the Sarasota Development Review Committee at its Oct. 2 meeting.