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September 11, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
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Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Money & Work • Restaurants

Wahlburgers

Wahlburgers is a casual dining burger restaurant and bar chain founded in 2011 in Hingham, Massachusetts.

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

Wahlburgers is a casual dining burger chain founded by the Wahlberg brothers. The first location opened in Hingham, Massachusetts, in 2011.

What it is

Wahlburgers is a burger restaurant and bar chain started by chef Paul Wahlberg with his brothers Mark and Donnie Wahlberg. The concept focuses on burgers and bar-style fare, with Paul Wahlberg leading menu development. It operates as a franchised chain with outside investors.

History and ownership

Founded in 2011 in Hingham, Massachusetts, the chain grew from a single location to an international brand. Ownership has included the Wahlberg brothers and outside investors. The business has been associated with the family's celebrity profile and a reality TV show.

Locations and expansion

As of July 2025, Wahlburgers had 32 locations across the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The chain expanded through a franchise model, with Canadian locations part of its international footprint.

In short

  • Founded in 2011 by Paul, Mark, and Donnie Wahlberg
  • 32 locations as of July 2025 across four countries
  • Operates as a franchised casual dining chain
  • Includes Canadian locations in its international presence
Canadian angle

Wahlburgers has operated in Canada, and Canadian locations are included in the chain’s reported international footprint.

Quick questions

Who owns Wahlburgers?
Wahlburgers was founded by Paul Wahlberg with his brothers Mark and Donnie Wahlberg, but outside investors have also held ownership stakes over time.
Where is the original Wahlburgers?
The original Wahlburgers opened in Hingham, Massachusetts, in 2011.
How many Wahlburgers locations are there?
As of July 2025, there were 32 Wahlburgers locations.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wahlburgers
    Supports: Describes Wahlburgers as a casual dining burger restaurant and bar chain, owned by Paul, Donnie, and Mark Wahlberg, and reports 32 locations as of July 2025.
  2. Resto NYC — https://www.restonyc.com/do-the-wahlbergs-still-own-wahlburgers/
    Supports: States the chain was founded by the Wahlberg brothers, opened first in Hingham, Massachusetts in 2011, and discusses later ownership changes involving outside investors.
  3. History Oasis — https://www.historyoasis.com/post/wahlburgers
    Supports: States that the first Wahlburgers opened in Hingham, Massachusetts, in 2011 and describes its development from a local restaurant into a chain.
  4. Franchise Times — https://www.franchisetimes.com/article_archive/as-the-wahlburgers-turn-paul-mark-and-donnie/article_c1909d7a-627d-5f16-8329-c19238f32b80.html
    Supports: States that the three Wahlberg brothers were involved in ownership and board control and references the Toronto location.
  5. Wahlburgers — https://www.wahlburgers.com/
    Supports: Company site listing Hingham, Massachusetts as headquarters and identifying the business as founded in 2011.