Wahlburgers Closes 79 Locations Across US, Retains 34

Wahlburgers, the burger chain founded by actor Mark Wahlberg and his brothers Donnie and Paul, has closed 79 locations this year, primarily those operating as food court kiosks inside Hy-Vee grocery stores, reducing its total U.S. presence to 34 restaurants. The partnership with Hy-Vee, which began in 2017, ended as these locations were not full-service restaurants and failed to generate significant revenue for either company, according to CEO Randy Sharpe. Wahlburgers is shifting focus to traditional, full-service restaurants and plans to open 15 new locations this year, aiming for 65 locations by the end of 2025. Hy-Vee will replace Wahlburgers kiosks with its own Market Grille brand, emphasizing breakfast and budget-friendly meals. Although facing closures, Wahlberg is expanding his business portfolio with ventures including a Mexican-inspired restaurant in Las Vegas, Flecha Cantina, and co-ownership of Flecha Azul Tequila and Municipal clothing. The closures reflect a strategic retreat from grocery store partnerships to concentrate on core full-service dining experiences.