UCF has very much been in an era of development and change when it comes to the local food scene, with well-known spots like Shake Shack, Just Salad, and Raising Cane’s all popping up near campus. There are even more places opening soon. Places that, I for one, am so excited to check out.
It’s no secret that Waterford Lakes has always been that girl. However, it’s about to get even harder to argue that, because both Joe & the Juice and PopUp Bagels are reportedly coming soon (though no concrete opening dates have been announced yet).
But what even are these places? Why should you care?
Joe & The Juice is a Denmark-based chain known for juices, coffee, and sandwiches. It’s pink, it’s trendy, and it’s especially known for its viral Tunacado sandwich. It’s also usually the kind of place you only really see in bigger cities like New York, Miami, or LA, so it does feel a little wild that we’re getting one here.
PopUp Bagels is a bagel shop that’s taken over the internet, mostly because of its rotating spreads (like cannoli cream cheese) and its whole bagel philosophy. Much like another polarizing bagel spot in the UCF area, Jeff’s Bagel Run, PopUp also doesn’t toast its bagels. It also sells them in minimum orders of three, which come with one tub of spread. So yes, people will absolutely have opinions. Mine? Will be positive.
But what’s coming aside from those two in Waterford?
Well, Oviedo is getting a cult favorite. Swig is coming to the area, which is a pretty big deal, especially considering the closest Florida location right now is in Clermont. Whether you’re already a Swig lover, a Secret Lives of Mormon Wives watcher, or you want to know what the deal is with milk in soda, this is absolutely going to be a spot worth checking out.
Swig, which is set to open at 3607 Aloma Ave. in Oviedo, is the chain behind the dirty soda trend. It’s known for drinks that mix soda with flavors, fruit, purées, and creams, and it also sells refreshers, energy drinks, and cookies.
There’s no opening date yet, but I can already guarantee I’ll be there on day one for some “boots-on-the-ground journalism.”
However, if dirty sodas are not your thing, maybe burgers are!
Whataburger, planned to open at 12305 E. Colonial Drive, is expected to open in late summer or early fall 2026. The Texas-based chain is known for burgers, breakfast, and shakes, with famous (or infamous) staples like the Double Meat burger and Breakfast Taquito.
This is also actually a return for the brand, since Whataburger’s earlier Central Florida locations closed back in 2009.
Beyond being exciting, these openings feel like proof that not only is the food scene expanding, but so is UCF. As our community grows, it becomes more vibrant, and that energy shows up in everything — even the food. These new spots aren’t just places to eat; they’re part of a campus area that’s becoming more dynamic, more current, and harder to overlook.