Wahlburgers is a burger restaurant chain founded by the Wahlberg brothers, offering a variety of gourmet burgers, sandwiches, and salads, along with specialty cocktails and shakes.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
106
+
43%
43%
Franchise fee
?
$40,000
Investment
?
$1,140,000 - $2,755,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$0
+
n.a.
n.a.
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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.
Initial investment
The initial investment required for a Wahlburgers franchise is
$1,140,000 - $2,755,000.
That is the total cost you would need to finance 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:
Wahlburgers Concept
Initial Investment Range
Full-Service Restaurant
$1,530,000 – $2,755,000
Fast Casual Restaurant
$1,140,000 – $1,995,000
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).
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$50,000
Grand Opening Advertising
$15,000
Real Estate
Variable
Architectural Design Services
$25,000 – $55,000
Construction/Leasehold Improvements
$900,000 – $1,800,000
Travel and Living Expenses While Training
$25,000 – $80,000
Furnishing, Fixtures, Equipment
$350,000 – $450,000
Signage
$25,000 – $35,000
Smallwares
$20,000 – $50,000
Initial Inventory
$10,000 – $20,000
Liquor Licenses
Variable
Miscellaneous Opening Costs
$30,000 – $60,000
Register or Point of Sale System
$30,000 – $40,000
Additional Funds – 3 months
$50,000 – $100,000
Total
$1,530,000 – $2,755,000
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Wahlburgers offers 2 types of franchises:
Wahlburgers Concept
Initial Investment Range
Full-Service Restaurant
$1,530,000 – $2,755,000
Fast Casual Restaurant
$1,140,000 – $1,995,000
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).
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$50,000
Grand Opening Advertising
$15,000
Real Estate
Variable
Architectural Design Services
$25,000 – $55,000
Construction/Leasehold Improvements
$900,000 – $1,800,000
Travel and Living Expenses While Training
$25,000 – $80,000
Furnishing, Fixtures, Equipment
$350,000 – $450,000
Signage
$25,000 – $35,000
Smallwares
$20,000 – $50,000
Initial Inventory
$10,000 – $20,000
Liquor Licenses
Variable
Miscellaneous Opening Costs
$30,000 – $60,000
Register or Point of Sale System
$30,000 – $40,000
Additional Funds – 3 months
$50,000 – $100,000
Total
$1,530,000 – $2,755,000
Franchise Disclosure Document
Below is Wahlburgers's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
Wahlburgers had 110 total units in 2024, of which 106 were franchised-owned and 4 company-owned.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Wahlburgers provides several types of training programs to its franchisees to ensure consistent and high-quality operations across all locations:
Initial Training Program (ITP) The ITP is mandatory for the Operating Principal, general manager, and other designated managerial personnel. It covers key operational aspects and must be completed before opening the Franchised Restaurant. The program may include prerequisites like ServSafe food safety certification. This training is held at Wahlburgers’ designated facilities or restaurants operated by the company until the franchisee’s own training facility is established.
Ongoing Training Wahlburgers offers continuous training for the Operating Principal, Multi-Unit Manager (if applicable), managerial staff, and other experienced personnel. This may occur at times and locations determined by Wahlburgers and could be delivered through various formats, including in-person sessions, printed materials, intranet platforms, or via phone consultations.
Pre-Opening and Opening Assistance For the initial two restaurants opened by a franchisee or affiliate, Wahlburgers may provide additional support. This includes assistance with restaurant construction or renovation, layout planning, equipment selection, and staff training, tailored to the franchisee’s needs and available company resources.
Territory Protection
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.
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