Wahlburgers, a casual burger restaurant founded by brothers Mark, Donnie, and Paul Wahlberg and subject of the popular A&E TV reality series announced multi-unit franchise deals in Florida and New York, continuing its rapid expansion in North America. Davgar Holdings Group, LLC will open 20 Wahlburgers throughout Florida over the next several years, as New York- based Big Apple Burgers prepares to launch six restaurants in Manhattan and one on Coney Island.
Since its 2011 debut in Hingham, Mass., Wahlburgers has a total of 40 stores either open or under agreement. A second location opened in Toronto last month to great fanfare, and franchise agreements are secured in Philadelphia and Las Vegas in addition to Florida and New York. Two corporate-run Wahlburgers are slated to open in the Greater Boston area in 2015.
“These agreements put us closer to our vision of making Wahlburgers a happy part of people’s lives across America and around the world. Donnie, Paul, and I appreciate the support of our fans and all those who love great burgers,” said Mark Wahlberg.
“We are pleased to continue to grow with great partners who share our values and standards for delivering an exceptional customer experience,” said Rick Vanzura CEO of Wahlburgers.
According to Vanzura, Wahlburgers is committed to partnering with experienced operators with a demonstrated history of multi-unit success. Manny Garcia of Davgar Holdings Group, LLC and John Cestare and partners of Big Apple Burgers meet the criteria.
“The Garcia family has been steeped in the food and restaurant industry for many years,” said Manny Garcia, well-known Florida restaurateur and managing partner of Davgar Holdings Group, LLC. “And now, we are thrilled to partner with the Wahlbergs, another family that’s equally dedicated to high quality food, legendary service, and delighted guests.”
“We’re confident that our knowledge and expertise will be a great asset to the Wahlburgers brand,” said John Cestare of Big Apple Burgers. “It’s exciting to partner with the Wahlberg family and brand knowing we share the same values and family-work culture.”
The Florida and New York restaurants will share all the signature characteristics of the flagship Wahlburgers in Hingham, Mass., including full-serve and quick-serve dining options, take-out and a full bar. To inquire regarding business opportunities please visit http://www.wahlburgersrestaurant.com/franchise/.
Founded by Executive Chef Paul Wahlberg, and celebrity brothers Mark and Donnie Wahlberg, Wahlburgers, the subject of an A&E Network original series is a Boston based burger restaurant with stylish decor symbolizing the brothers’ life trajectories from Dorchester neighborhood kids to rising chef and international superstars. The restaurant offers both fast casual and table service dining featuring a menu of made-to-order fresh ground beef burgers, pure beef hot dogs, crispy fries, onion rings, tater tots, signature salads, and specialty frappes. In addition to great food and drink, guests will enjoy music from a variety of genres and eras playing from the restaurant’s state-of-the-art sound system. Wahlburgers serves lunch and dinner daily.
Managing Partner of Davgar Holdings Group, Manny Garcia knows the restaurant business inside and out. A 2007 inductee into the Mid-Florida Business Hall of Fame, he has created such well-known local restaurants as Pebbles, Harvey’s Bistro, and Manuel’s on the 28th. His restaurant heritage extends west to old Ybor City and Tampa, where his family’s community involvement and La Fonda and Las Novedades restaurants played key roles in shaping the dining scene there. In 1969, Garcia started in the Orlando area with the Central Florida Burger King franchise.
New York native John Cestare and partners of Big Apple Burgers have been in the restaurant and nightlife industry over 20 years with many successful national brands.
