Opening in 1990 as an East Coast version of the famous California theme park, Universal Orlando began as Universal Studios Florida and by 2026 expanded to three theme parks, one water park and 11 resorts.
With over 20 million visitors passing through the four parks in a given year, visitors will inevitably get hungry after a long day of strolling and going on rides. While the exact number will vary given that something is always closing or opening, Universal Orlando is home to over 25 dining establishments of varying price points.
For those moving between the parks, the CityWalk is the central thoroughfare that also serves as the admission-free dining and retail district. Along with some more formal sit-down restaurants, the walkway is home to well-known American fast-food chains such as Auntie Anne’s, Starbucks, Panda Express, Moe’s Southwest Bar and Burger King Whopper Bar presented in somewhat more extravagant form given the theme park nature of the area.
Burger King Whopper Bar at Universal Orlando to close down forever
Standing out from different locations in that the Whoppers are assembled in front of the customers bar-style, the Whopper Bar was a well-recognized CityWalk sight since it opened in 2009. But as was first noticed by visitors and confirmed by Burger King, the location is set to close on April 21 to make way for a Five Guys.
At the time that Burger King Whopper Bar opened in 2009, it was an innovative concept meant to test whether a more “upscale” version of Burger King could find a market; additional locations would eventually open abroad in countries such as Singapore and Germany.
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While neither Burger King nor Universal elaborated on why the Five Guys needs to replace the location rather than complement it on the CityWalk, the chief executive of holding company North Star Dining USA previously spoke about expansion plans for Five Guys.
“It is no exaggeration to say it is one of the best markets for the brand across the U.S. and North America,” Darven Erickson said to the Orlando Business Journal at the start of April. “We see a lot of opportunity to expand our territory here.”
The Universal Orlando had a Burger King Whopper Bar where the burgers were assembled in front of the customer.
Kevin Levick
As Five Guys expands across the country, some mourn the loss of Burger King Whopper Bar
The first Five Guys location opened in Virginia’s Arlington County in 1986 and is also known for burgers that can be customized with a range of toppings as well as the signature bins of peanuts for customers can snack on for free at the restaurants.
With approximately 1,500 locations across the country as of 2026, Five Guys has recently been on an expansion push in Central Florida in particular as the chain plans to open an additional 700 locations in the next five years.
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Burger King also did not share how many employees will be affected by the closure or whether any of them will be able to transition to the new Five Guys franchise.
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