Latest news with #Wahlburgers
USA Today
a day ago
- Business
- USA Today
Wahlburgers closes 79 locations nationwide in 2025 shake-up
Wahlburgers has closed nearly 80 locations this year, dipping to 34 restaurants nationwide. The burger chain founded by actor Mark Wahlberg and his brothers, Donnie and Paul, simultaneously closed 79 locations earlier this year that were in Hy-Vee grocery stores, Eat This, Not That reported earlier this month, ending an agreement that started in 2017. Wahlburgers CEO Randy Sharpe told Nation's Restaurant News that the closures affected food court kiosks at the Iowa-based chain. "It's not a full-service restaurant, and it wasn't a significant revenue driver for either side,' Sharpe told the publication. Here's what to know. Where are Hy-Vee stores located? Hy-Vee operates 302 stores in Iowa and seven states near it, according to the web scraping tool ScrapeHero. Iowa has the most in the U.S. with 151 locations. Other locations include the rest of the Midwest and the Southern region of the country, too. Mark Wahlberg owns Chevrolet, Buick and GMC auto dealerships Wahlburgers isn't Mark Wahlberg's only business interest. The former rapper known in the 1990s for Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch also owns several auto dealerships in the Buckeye State. Mark Wahlberg has Chevrolet dealerships in various parts of Ohio, including Columbus, Worthington and Avon, as well as a Buick GMC dealership in Columbus. The dealership websites prominently feature a photo of the Hollywood actor. But wait, there's more Wahlberg launched a Mexican-inspired restaurant, Flecha Cantina, in bustling Las Vegas late last year. He's also a co-owner and brand ambassador for Flecha Azul Tequila, which he partnered with in 2022. Wahlberg made his mark in the fashion industry as well, becoming a co-founder and owner of Municipal clothing. The lifestyle brand blends athleisure apparel with streetwear flair and launched in 2020.
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Beloved Burger Chain Quietly Closed 79 Locations This Year
Burger chains are one of the most popular restaurant chains in America. There are more than 86,000 businesses in the burger restaurants industry in the U.S. according to research conducted by QSR Magazine. Of course, while places like McDonald's and Burger King are known for their fast food burgers, there are plenty of other establishments that are more in the casual dining area that are also popular for their burgers. Now, one popular burger chain has been quietly closing locations this year. This chain isn't going away or going bankrupt, though, and the chain's CEO is clarifying what these closings really mean. Wahlburgers burger chain, owned by Paul, Donnie and Mark Wahlburg, has closed 79 locations this year, according to Eat This, Not That. But, it's not as bad as it looks. One of the reasons for the closings is the end of a franchise agreement, with Eat This, Not That stating, "Wahlburgers closed down several locations located within Hy-Vee stores, ending a franchising agreement that started in 2017." CEO Randy Sharpe set the record straight on what was going on with those locations in February. In an article from Nation's Restaurant News, he firmly stated, "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've learned from the past, and we're focused on quality, not quantity,' he added. "This isn't about closing locations; it's about ensuring that every Wahlburgers represents what we stand for — great food, great service, and great partnerships." In some good news for Wahlburgers, the restaurant recently updated its menu and added new menu items such as Teriyaki Pineapple Smashburger, WahlStreet Spritz and Strawberry Shortcake Shake. "At Wahlburgers, we're always pushing flavor forward while staying rooted in what our guests crave," Sharpe said in a statement. "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."Beloved Burger Chain Quietly Closed 79 Locations This Year first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 12, 2025
Miami Herald
26-06-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Largest fast-food chain's franchisee files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
The fast-food restaurant sector has faced economic challenges in the first half of 2025 after experiencing the consequences of financial distress in 2024. Restaurant operators with significant debt obligations endured increased loan payments as interest rates continued to rise since March 2022. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter Higher interest rates were not the only problem, as inflation began rising as well after the Covid-19 pandemic subsided in 2020, and industry competition put additional pressure on dining establishments. Related: Major shipping company files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy The parent company of the Hwy 55 Burger Shakes & Fries chain, The Little Mint Inc., finished last year on a sour note, as it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Dec. 31, 2024, suffering from higher costs and labor shortages related to the Covid-19 pandemic, which coincided with its brand expansion. The Little Mint operated 22 corporate-owned Hwy 55 locations and had 71 franchised restaurant locations in the Southeast. It closed 13 corporate-owned locations before it filed for bankruptcy protection. Supermarket chain Hy-Vee Inc., which operated 79 Wahlburgers fast-food franchise locations in its stores, closed all of its units in February 2025 with plans to replace them with its own Market Grille restaurants. The grocery chain did not file for bankruptcy. The cancelled agreement was mutual, as Wahlburgers was not pleased with the performance of the Hy-Vee-operated locations, and the in-store Wahlburgers had accounted for a small portion of the burger chain's sales, the company's CEO said. Burger King franchisee Consolidated Burger Holdings LLC and two affiliates, which operated 57 restaurant locations in Florida and Georgia, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection to reorganize their businesses in April 2025. The Destin, Fla.-based Burger King franchisee at one time had 75 locations and 1,500 employees, according to the company's LinkedIn page. Related: Popular bar and grill chain files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy The nation's largest fast-food chain Subway, which completed its sale to private equity firm Roark on April 30, 2024, for reportedly $9.6 billion, had a nine-year run of declining store counts from 2016-2024 for a net decline of 7,616 stores. The popular sandwich chain ended 2024 with 19,502 restaurants in the U.S., while its website says that it has nearly 37,000 locations in over 100 countries. More bankruptcy: Iconic auto repair chain franchise files Chapter 11 bankruptcyPopular beer brand closes down and files Chapter 7 bankruptcyPopular vodka and gin brand files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy The dining chain recorded a net decline of 631 stores in 2024, according to data from Statista. Subway's U.S. store count had peaked in 2015 with about 27,118 locations. The fast-food chain's U.S. store count decline in 2024 was the company's largest drop in locations since 2021, when it had a net decline of 1,043. Shutterstock And now, a Subway franchisee operating in California has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection to reorganize and likely remain in business. The debtor did not reveal a reason for filing for bankruptcy in its petition. Montebello, Calif.-based franchisee CGA Corporation filed its Subchapter V petition on June 25 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California, listing $50,000 to $100,000 in assets and $100,000 to $500,000 in liabilities in its petition. The debtor's largest creditor listed in its petition is the Small Business Administration, with a claim of a partially secured loan of $249,000. Other creditors listed in the petition include Can Capital, Forward Financing, and OnDeck. Related: Popular children's retailer files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Business Insider
04-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Business Insider
I had the same meal at Wahlburgers and Smashburger. Both were good, but there's one I can't stop thinking about.
First, I went to the Wahlburgers location in the heart of Boston. Founded by chef Paul Wahlberg and co-owned by two of his famed brothers, Mark and Donnie Wahlberg, the first Wahlburgers debuted just outside Boston. The original location in Hingham, Massachusetts, has since closed, so I headed to the next best thing: the Wahlburgers location just steps from Boston's iconic Fenway Park. It was about 5 p.m. on a Thursday, and the customers inside mainly looked like they were grabbing dinner on their way home from work. When I walked in, I thought the restaurant looked bright and tidy, with swaths of color giving the ambiance a cheerful vibe. The location I visited offers a standard counter for placing your order, an entire full-service bar with booths and tables, and a patio out back. The white and green color scheme was bright and playful, but the attached bar was more traditional and cozy with tufted booths, wood detailing, and subway tile throughout. I was surprised by how hot and flavorful my burger was. I ordered an Our Burger, a beef burger with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, Walburgers' trademark Wahl Sauce, and "government cheese" — American cheese that the Wahlbergs have described as "a nod to our family's roots." I also ordered tots. The burger, which cost $9.95, was the most basic offering on the menu compared to the double-decker, barbecue-bacon, and southwestern-inspired ones. After less than 10 minutes, my name was called — and it was clear that what I received had been made to order. The burger was piping hot with perfectly melted cheese and all the promised toppings. I loved the flavorful addition of the secret Wahl Sauce, a condiment that includes ketchup, mayonnaise, and Sriracha. It added a creamy convergence of tang and sweetness to my burger and perfectly complemented the buttery bun. The tots were crisp and delicious. I also ordered an appetizer-sized side of Parmesan truffle tots for $8.95. I was impressed to find them hot, crispy, and plentiful. Dusted with Parmesan and parsley and drizzled with truffle oil, these were a standout part of my meal. The truffle flavor wasn't too overpowering, and the tots' subtle saltiness amplified the Parmesan and parsley. I'm still thinking about them today. Then, I headed to Smashburger in Warwick, Rhode Island. Up next, I drove to Warwick, Rhode Island, to visit the Smashburger restaurant that opened in 2016. It's the only location in the state, but one of more than 200 across the country. Founded in Denver in 2007, Smashburger gets its name from its specialized process of cooking burgers by "smashing" the meat down on a flattop grill at a high heat. This time, I went at lunchtime on a Friday, arriving with a good appetite in tow. The restaurant's interior was sunlit, and the decor included local photography on the wall. I noticed the restaurant's signature red color throughout, on details like pendant lights and decor. It had a trendy, industrial aesthetic and featured traditional seating, a banquette that ran the length of the space, and comfortable high-top tables. The food came out hot, and it was clearly made right away. I ordered tots and the $7.19 Classic Smash, a burger with American cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, pickles, ketchup, and Smash Sauce on a butter-toasted bun. Under 10 minutes later, my meal was ready. The size of the entire burger, fixings included, seemed a little smaller than the one I got at Wahlburgers' — it is a "smashed" patty, after all — but it was big on flavor. I appreciated the beef's rich natural flavors. The meaty taste also balanced well with the juicy tomato, red onions, buttery toasted bun, and legendary Smash Sauce. I found Smashburger's signature sauce full-bodied but simple. Tons of "dupe" Smash Sauce recipes can be found online, and most are made with a base of mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, chopped pickles, and pickle juice, plus a variety of spices. The tots were simple but hot and crispy. Like Wahlburgers, Smashburger offers a variety of fries and tots. I got an order of classic tots for $3.99. They were served fresh from the fryer but weren't at all greasy. The texture was perfect: crisp, but tender on the inside. Both of my orders exceeded my expectations, but Wahlburgers delivered the more memorable meal. I was impressed by both of my meals. All in all, Wahlburgers and Smashburger both offer solid, made-to-order burgers, and it's no easy feat to pick one winner. My Wahlburgers burger was more robust and gave that "big burger bite" experience, but Smashburger held its own despite its slightly smaller stature. The tots at both restaurants were hot and fresh, and if you're a fan of a more classic taste and texture, Smashburger won't disappoint. The restaurant also serves tots tossed in rosemary, garlic, and olive oil, as well as ones tossed in Nashville Hot seasoning and served with ranch. However, if you love the taste of truffles, the ones from Wahlburgers are a good choice. I'm still thinking of the restaurant's Parmesan truffle tots, so it's hard not to choose those as my winner. Ultimately, thanks to its flavorful burger and mouth-watering tots, Wahlburgers is officially my new favorite fast-casual burger spot.
Daily Mail
01-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
In-N-Out dethrones its rivals to become America's best burger chain
A year ago, Habit Burger & Grill used a roadside sign to boast about beating In-N-Out's iconic Double-Double in a fast-food burger showdown. Now, a new ranking puts the California cult favorite the top spot in its annual list of the nation's best burger chains. The list, released by Yelp for International Burger Day, ranked chains with more than 100 locations across multiple states based on user reviews and brand performance. Struggling brands like Wahlburgers and Jack In The Box made the list, and BurgerFi was in at 13th, despite its bankruptcy filing last year. McDonald's and Burger King, two of the largest chains in the world, were down at 17 and 19 on the list, while smaller chains like Cook Out and Fatburger were 12th and 21st, respectively. Yelp's Kadecia Ber said: 'Today's consumers prioritize quality ingredients and customization in addition to convenience. 'What's evident from our rankings is that burger chains resonating most with customers today are those finding the right balance between consistency, quality, and a distinctive brand identity.' In-N-Out Burger Founded in 1948, In-N-Out Burger is known for serving simple and inventive burgers and fries. More than 119,000 Yelp reviewers have praised the California based restaurant chain for its service and drive-thru experience. Some of the chain's popular menu items include its Double-Double burgers and Animal Style fFench fries topped with onions, cheese, and a secret sauce. With more than 400 locations, In-N-Out Burger was named the top burger chain in the Western region and is planning to open seven new restaurants while phasing out artificial ingredients from its menu. Habit Burger & Grill The Habit Burger & Grill cracked the top five burger chains and is the second-best burger chain in the US overall. The first restaurant opened in 1969, and it now has nearly 400 restaurants worldwide. Yelp reviewers praised the chain's Charburger, with onions, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and mayo. The chain recently opened new restaurants in Washington and Idaho. Shake Shack What began as a New York hot dog cart in 2001 is now the nation's third-best burger chain that cracked the top 3 burger chain listings in each US region. It's also the top-ranked burger chain in 21 states and Washington DC, and its original New York restaurant has over 5,800 Yelp reviews. With over 320 restaurants across the U.S., the chain plans to open 80 to 85 company-operated restaurants this year and rolled out its first loyalty program this week. Culver's Culver's has served burgers to customers since opening its first restaurant in 1984. It rests at number four on the national ranking, but Yelp named it the top burger chain in the South and Midwest regions. Several fans have given positive reviews over its ButterBurgers and frozen custard. There are currently over 1,000 Culver's across 26 states and it's adding 55 new locations this year. Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks Founded in 1982, the nation's fifth-best burger chain has less than 50 locations and only operates in Arizona and California. Each restaurant provides a beachy atmosphere while serving unique items like the spicy Kilauea and the veggie-friendly Shorebird. Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is famous for its retro decor as well as its fan favorite Steakburgers. However, reviewers also praised its Original Double and signature fry sauce. The brand operates over 500 restaurants in the U.S. and Canada, and has been working on its plan to add 130 new locations between 2024 and 2025. Five Guys Five Guys has become a burger chain empire with over 1,800 locations worldwide. Opening its first location in 1986, fans enjoy the variety of options offered when customizing their burgers and food that's 'cooked to perfection'. The restaurant chain is one of the top brands in three U.S. regions, and has already opened more U.S. locations this year. Wayback Burgers Wayback Burgers operates over 170 restaurants worldwide and has experienced consistent franchise system growth. Its also famous for its rotating specials and unique flavor combinations in the eyes of Yelp users. The chain has opened new restaurants in Georgia and North Carolina and plans to open more in Texas, Ohio, and Iowa later this year. MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes The youngest restaurant chain on the list, MOOYAH brings a high level of burger customization to over 100 restaurants nationwide. Customers can also choose between Angus beef, turkey, or veggie patties when ordering food. While it is smaller than several chains, MOOYAH is planning to add 54 locations in Texas by 2030. Red Robin Red Robin has not let their potential 70 restaurant closures stop them from receiving positive Yelp reviews. The family friendly chain is known for its massive menu and offers multiple fan favorite foods like Whiskey River BBQ Burger and teriyaki-glazed Banzai Burger. The 56-year-old chain operates over 490 restaurants in the U.S. and Canada, and is one of the top-ranked burger chains in the Northeast. Foodie finds: Founded in California, In-N-Out Burger also beat out Habit Burger & Grill as the top chain in the Western region Top 25 burger chains in the U.S. In-N-Out Burger The Habit Burger Grill Shake Shack Culver's Islands Restaurants Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers Five Guys Burgers & Fries Wayback Burgers MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes Red Robin Jack in the Box Cook Out BurgerFi Whataburger Wahlburgers Smashburger McDonald's Sonic Drive-In Burger King White Castle Fatburger Wendy's Carl's Jr Checkers and Rally's Steak 'n Shake SOURCE: Yelp
