Beloved burger chain shutters 79 locations—only 34 remain nationwide
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A well-known burger chain with celebrity backing is preparing for a dramatic downsizing as another wave of fast food closures hits the US.
The brand, launched with much fanfare by a Hollywood star, has confirmed that the majority of its locations will permanently close.
While its name once carried weight thanks to its famous founders, critics say the product didn’t live up to the hype. Now, just a fraction of the restaurants will remain open, and questions are swirling about what went wrong.
Wahlburgers, founded by actor Mark Wahlberg and his brothers Donnie and Paul, has permanently shut down 79 locations across the US.
That leaves just 34 locations standing, following the collapse of a key partnership with grocery chain Hy-Vee.
The two companies joined forces in 2017, but executives now say the deal was no longer financially viable for either side.
“It’s not a full-service restaurant, and it wasn’t a significant revenue driver for either side,” CEO Randy Sharpe explained.
Sharpe emphasized that many of the shuttered spots were actually kiosks located in food courts and grocery stores, not traditional restaurants.
“It’s not 79 restaurants closing,” he said, pointing out the difference in format. Wahlburgers leadership has stressed that their focus is returning to standalone dining establishments.
“We’re not going to be in the grocery business,” Sharpe added, making the chain’s new direction clear.
Online, some customers supported the exit from Hy-Vee locations, saying the grocery chain had lost focus.
Also read: Another Goodwill store is closing—here’s how to get 50% off before it shuts down
One person wrote: “That’s where they went wrong, they tried way too hard to be Walmart… I miss the old Hy-Vee in my town.”
Others criticized Wahlburgers directly, calling the food overpriced and inconsistent. The backlash adds to the growing list of challenges the chain has faced during its expansion attempts.
Even as it scales back operations, Wahlburgers has just launched a new menu featuring several seasonal items.
Options include the Teriyaki Pineapple Smashburger, the WahlStreet Spritz cocktail, and a Strawberry Shortcake Shake topped with a classic Twinkie.
Also read: Is Your Favorite Store Closing? Shocking List of Retail Giants Shutting Down in 2024!
“This limited-time lineup was inspired by bold, summer-driven flavors,” Sharpe said in a release, aiming to shift attention back to the food itself. The updated menu is available at the remaining 34 stores while supplies last.
Still, not everyone is sold on the chain’s future. “I had it once when it first came to my city and it was extremely overpriced and terrible,” one user said online.
Another added, “At least Five Guys is good for being overpriced.” Some diners continue to question how Wahlburgers remained open this long given what they describe as poor value. The closures, they argue, are simply long overdue.
Read next: Is your go-to diner shutting down? America’s beloved chain to close more locations—here’s what’s happening
Have you ever tried Wahlburgers, and if so, was it worth the hype? Do you think celebrity-driven restaurants can survive today’s competitive market? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments — especially if you live near one of the few locations that are still open.
The brand, launched with much fanfare by a Hollywood star, has confirmed that the majority of its locations will permanently close.
While its name once carried weight thanks to its famous founders, critics say the product didn’t live up to the hype. Now, just a fraction of the restaurants will remain open, and questions are swirling about what went wrong.
Wahlburgers, founded by actor Mark Wahlberg and his brothers Donnie and Paul, has permanently shut down 79 locations across the US.
That leaves just 34 locations standing, following the collapse of a key partnership with grocery chain Hy-Vee.
The two companies joined forces in 2017, but executives now say the deal was no longer financially viable for either side.
“It’s not a full-service restaurant, and it wasn’t a significant revenue driver for either side,” CEO Randy Sharpe explained.
Beloved burger chain shutters 79 locations—only 34 remain nationwide. Image source: CBS Philadelphia / YouTube
Sharpe emphasized that many of the shuttered spots were actually kiosks located in food courts and grocery stores, not traditional restaurants.
“It’s not 79 restaurants closing,” he said, pointing out the difference in format. Wahlburgers leadership has stressed that their focus is returning to standalone dining establishments.
“We’re not going to be in the grocery business,” Sharpe added, making the chain’s new direction clear.
Online, some customers supported the exit from Hy-Vee locations, saying the grocery chain had lost focus.
Also read: Another Goodwill store is closing—here’s how to get 50% off before it shuts down
One person wrote: “That’s where they went wrong, they tried way too hard to be Walmart… I miss the old Hy-Vee in my town.”
Others criticized Wahlburgers directly, calling the food overpriced and inconsistent. The backlash adds to the growing list of challenges the chain has faced during its expansion attempts.
Even as it scales back operations, Wahlburgers has just launched a new menu featuring several seasonal items.
Options include the Teriyaki Pineapple Smashburger, the WahlStreet Spritz cocktail, and a Strawberry Shortcake Shake topped with a classic Twinkie.
Also read: Is Your Favorite Store Closing? Shocking List of Retail Giants Shutting Down in 2024!
“This limited-time lineup was inspired by bold, summer-driven flavors,” Sharpe said in a release, aiming to shift attention back to the food itself. The updated menu is available at the remaining 34 stores while supplies last.
Still, not everyone is sold on the chain’s future. “I had it once when it first came to my city and it was extremely overpriced and terrible,” one user said online.
Another added, “At least Five Guys is good for being overpriced.” Some diners continue to question how Wahlburgers remained open this long given what they describe as poor value. The closures, they argue, are simply long overdue.
Read next: Is your go-to diner shutting down? America’s beloved chain to close more locations—here’s what’s happening
