A well-known burger chain with a Hollywood twist is shutting down 79 locations across the country. If you have been to a Wahlburgers before—or have one near you—you might want to read this. Things are changing fast, and you should know what is going on.
Why is Wahlburgers closing so many locations?
Wahlburgers, the burger chain founded by actor Mark Wahlberg and his brothers Donnie and Paul, is pulling the plug on 79 of its locations. Most of these spots were located inside Hy-Vee grocery stores, thanks to a franchise agreement made back in 2017.
But now, that partnership is officially over. The chain said the deal with Hy-Vee was not profitable anymore. It did not make enough money for either side. The restaurants inside the grocery stores were not full-service and brought in low revenue
Wahlburgers CEO Randy Sharpe explained it this way:
“It is not 79 restaurants closing. It is not a full-service restaurant, and it was not a significant revenue driver for either side.”
Basically, both companies decided it was best to go their separate ways.
Which Wahlburgers locations are closing in 2025?
The 79 locations being closed are mostly those set up inside Hy-Vee grocery stores across the Midwest and surrounding regions. While a full list has not been made public, these locations were spread across states like:
- Iowa
- Minnesota
- Nebraska
- Missouri
- Kansas
- Illinois
- South Dakota
- Wisconsin
If your local Wahlburgers is inside a Hy-Vee, it is very likely on the closure list.
How many Wahlburgers restaurants will still remain?
After this major round of closures, only 34 Wahlburgers locations will be left open in the U.S. These are the standalone, full-service restaurants that are not tied to any grocery chain.
These remaining locations are spread out in states like:
- Massachusetts
- New York
- California
- Nevada
- Florida
So, even though the chain is downsizing, it is not disappearing. You can still find a Wahlburgers if you are in or near a major city.
What are customers saying about the closures?
Not everyone is upset. Some customers have actually voiced their disappointment with the quality of the food in the Wahlburgers-Hy-Vee locations.
Here is what a few diners have said:
- “I had it once when it first came to my city and it was extremely overpriced and terrible.”
- “That’s where they went wrong, they tried way too hard to be Walmart.”
Many people felt that the chain’s grocery store locations were not up to par with their standalone restaurants.
Is Wahlburgers still releasing new menu items?
Yes, even with the closures, Wahlburgers is trying to refresh its image by introducing a brand-new summer menu. This shows that they are still committed to offering new and exciting food for their customers.
Some of the new items include:
- Teriyaki Pineapple Smashburger
- WahlStreet Spritz
- Strawberry Shortcake Shake
Sharpe said:
“At Wahlburgers, we are always pushing flavor forward while staying rooted in what our guests crave.”
What does this mean for the future of Wahlburgers?
Even though 79 locations are shutting down, this is not the end for Wahlburgers. The company is refocusing on full-service restaurants rather than grocery store setups.
Sharpe made it clear:
“We are growing restaurants. We are not going to be in the grocery business.”
So, while some stores are closing, Wahlburgers is planning to open new full-service locations in the future.
If you are a fan of the chain, you may still have the chance to grab a burger at a better location—with better service and a better menu.
