A BELOVED burger chain founded by a Hollywood actor has been forced to close down 79 locations in a fast food slaughter.
It will leave only 34 standing in the US, with some diners complaining about the food being inconsistent and overpriced.
A beloved burger chain founded by a Hollywood actor has been forced to close down 79 locations in a fast food slaughter[/caption]
Wahlburgers, the chain owned by Hollywood actor Mark Wahlberg, and his brothers Donnie and Paul, closed 79 locations earlier this year[/caption]
Wahlburgers, the chain owned by Hollywood actor Mark Wahlberg, and his brothers Donnie and Paul, closed 79 locations earlier this year.
The closure wave brought an end to the relationship that Wahlburgers had with the retailer Hy-Vee.
Wahlburgers made a franchise agreement with Hy-vee back in 2017, a deal which chiefs have now said was no longer profitable for either party.
Wahlburgers’ CEO Randy Sharpe said: “It’s not 79 restaurants closing.
“If you saw what was being shuttered, it’s a food court kiosk.
“It’s not a full-service restaurant, and it wasn’t a significant revenue driver for either side.
“We are growing restaurants.
“We’re not going to be in the grocery business.
“It’s best that everyone stay in what their skill sets are and move on”
Others seemed equally happy that the relationship between Wahlburgers and Hy-vee had ended, criticizing the latter for the partnership in the first place.
Someone wrote online, before the Wahlburgers closures: “Thats where they went wrong, they tried way too hard to be Walmart.
“The huge beauty sections, the celebrity partnerships they never pan out.. I miss the old Hy-vee in my town when they had a crazy good breakfast, and it was small, and just that, a grocery store with some in-house food options that were pretty solid.
“That’s all gone in exchange for the Wahlberg’s and Mahomes.”
NEW MENU
This closure wave has left 34 Wahlburgers restaurants still standing, but despite this low number, a new has just launched for diners.
Restaurant closures in 2025
Denny’s – Denny’s has confirmed that up to 150 locations are set to close in the US by the end of the year as many of them are no longer profitable.
Red Lobster – The chain has said that it plans to close over 100 stores across the country this year as new CEO Damola Adamolekun takes over.
TGI Friday’s – TGI Friday’s is still being forced to shutter locations thanks to a bankruptcy filing, including 30 in April alone.
Applebee’s – This chain is projecting a loss of 20 to 35 Applebee’s spots in 2025 but is teaming up with IHOP to introduce dual-branded locations with a curated menu of the two’s best items.
Noodles & Company – This emporium is set to close between 17 and 21 locations in 2025 following a difficult 2024.
Wahlburgers has just launched a new core menu, introducing items like Teriyaki Pineapple Smashburger, WahlStreet Spritz, Strawberry Shortcake Shake.
Sharpe commented: “At Wahlburgers, we’re always pushing flavor forward while staying rooted in what our guests crave.
“This limited-time lineup was inspired by bold, summer-driven flavors — from tropical pineapple and savory teriyaki to nostalgic sweets like our strawberry shortcake with a classic Twinkie.”
DINER DISMAY
With Wahlburgers continuing forward, some diners have noted their issues with the chain in the past.
Some found Wahlburgers to be both poor quality and too expensive.
On the social media platform Reddit, one person wrote: “I had it once when it first came to my city and it was extremely overpriced and terrible.
“At least 5 guys is good for being overpriced.
“I don’t know how WB ever manages to stay open being as bad as they are.”
This closure wave has left 34 Wahlburgers restaurants still standing, but despite this low number, a new has just launched for diners[/caption]
Wahlburgers was founded in Hingham, Massachusetts in 2011[/caption]
