Wahlburgers, the casual burger restaurant founded by brothers Mark, Donnie, and Paul Wahlberg and subject of the popular A&E TV reality series, has secured a 20-store franchise deal with Arjomand Group of the Middle East and an agreement with SSP America, a division of SSP Group, to operate at Boston’s Logan and Toronto’s Pearson airports. Also, Wahlburgers has extended its contract with New York-based Big Apple Burgers to include six units on Long Island, in addition to five in Manhattan and one on Coney Island.
Since its 2011 debut in Hingham, MA, franchise growth for Wahlburgers has been on track with two stores now open and 66 more under development to open over the next several years. Six to eight stores are slated to open in 2015 as follows: In Q2, Wahlburgers will open in Lynnfield, MA, and Coney Island. In Q3, a third Greater Boston location will open near Fenway Park. Wahlburgers’ second unit in Toronto will open this fall in Terminal One of Toronto Pearson International Airport with additional openings possible by year’s end in Orlando, Philadelphia, New York and Las Vegas – all subject to lease negotiations and construction schedules.
“We are happy to be taking this next step in our development with the Arjomand Group and SSP America. It reflects our continued commitment to teaming with proven operators who can represent the brand well throughout the world,” said Mark Wahlberg.
“We are thrilled to continue our growth with outstanding franchise partners,” said Rick Vanzura CEO of Wahlburgers. “The reality of bringing Wahlburgers to our friends in the Middle East is extremely exciting, as is offering our burgers and heartfelt hospitality to those traveling through Boston and Toronto airports.”
“We are very proud of the Wahlberg family for creating such a great franchise concept, and we plan on making it a huge success in the Middle East region,” said Farooq Mahmood Arjomand Founding Chairman & CEO of the Arjomand Group.
“Wahlburger’s is an exciting addition to the restaurant portfolios of Toronto’s Pearson and Boston’s Logan. It provides a unique menu with name recognition—the combination offers a level of diversity we haven’t seen before. Add in a great operator like SSP America, and it’s a win, win, win for everyone,” said Pat Murray, Executive Vice President, SSP America.
Wahburgers restaurants share 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/.
