

Launched in 2011, Wahlburgers is a fast-casual dining concept known for its premium hamburgers and branded merchandise. The brand was created by chef Paul Wahlberg, alongside his famous brothers, actors Mark and Donnie Wahlberg. The inaugural location opened in Hingham, Massachusetts, where the company is still headquartered today.
Franchising opportunities began in 2014, enabling the brand to expand beyond its original roots. Wahlburgers restaurants offer a menu centered on gourmet burgers, along with signature items inspired by the Wahlberg family’s favorite comfort foods.
Beyond the food, Wahlburgers distinguishes itself through its celebrity heritage and dedication to a warm, welcoming environment. The combination of high-quality ingredients, original recipes, and a strong family influence helps the chain stand out in a competitive fast-casual market.
Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Wahlburgers offers 2 types of franchises:
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Wahlburgers Full-Service Restaurant. For more information on costs required to start a Wahlburgers franchise, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
Wahlburgers offers 2 types of franchises:
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Wahlburgers Full-Service Restaurant. For more information on costs required to start a Wahlburgers franchise, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
Wahlburgers provides several types of training programs to its franchisees to ensure consistent and high-quality operations across all locations:
Wahlburgers does not offer exclusive territory protection to its franchisees under the standard Franchise Agreement. Franchisees may face competition from other Wahlburgers restaurants operated by the franchisor, other franchisees, or through alternative distribution channels including online sales.
The Development Agreement instead outlines a mutually agreed-upon “Development Area,” but this area is not protected from such competition. Although there is some limited territorial exclusivity during the Development Term, it is conditional.
Wahlburgers reserves the right to open or license restaurants in special locations within the Development Area such as airports, hospitals, sports venues, and other high-traffic environments. This limited protection is further contingent on the franchisee meeting all agreement terms and remaining in good standing throughout the Development Term.
Below are some of
Wahlburgers
key competitors in the
Burger
sector.

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Sammy's Sliders is a fast-casual restaurant brand offering gourmet sliders, fries, and shakes, serving burger lovers seeking smaller portions and variety, and known for customizable mini-sandwich combinations, playful branding, and efficient service suited to urban and neighborhood locations.
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Home Frite is a fast-casual franchise offering gourmet fries, burgers, chicken sandwiches and milkshakes, serving urban diners and comfort-food lovers, and known for hand-cut potatoes, signature sauces, and scalable franchise model.
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iniBurger is a burger-restaurant franchise offering gourmet burgers, shakes, and innovative sides, serving millennials and casual diners, and known for bold menu items, modern branding and strong franchisee support.
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Harlem Shake is a burger-and-shake chain franchise offering premium burgers, fries, shakes and craft menu items, serving families and casual diners, and known for nostalgic branding, community vibe, and scalable restaurant prototype.
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Good Stuff Eatery is a fast-casual burger franchise offering handcrafted burgers, crispy fries and shakes, serving casual diners and burger-lovers, and known for chef-driven quality, fun branding and a mission to bring “goodness everywhere”.
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Built Custom Burgers provides fast-casual, build-your-own burger meals featuring premium ingredients and a streamlined assembly-line format, allowing customers to customize burgers, fries, and shakes for a fresh and satisfying dining experience.
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