Wahlburgers, the popular burger joint founded by the Wahlberg brothers, has been facing a tough time lately. Multiple locations have closed down, leaving fans wondering what's behind this sudden decline.
According to an internal memo obtained by the company, Wahlburgers has been struggling with declining sales and increasing competition. The memo revealed that the company has been operating at a loss for several years.
One of the main reasons for the closures is the high overhead costs associated with maintaining the brand's upscale atmosphere. Wahlburgers is known for its high-end burgers and trendy vibe, but this comes at a price.
The company has been trying to adapt to changing consumer preferences, but it seems like it's not enough to save the struggling locations.
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Wahlburgers Closures
Wahlburgers, the burger chain founded by the Wahlberg brothers, has been shutting down locations at an alarming rate. In fact, they've closed over 79 locations this year, leaving them with just 34 restaurants nationwide.
The closures are largely due to their partnership with Hy-Vee Inc. coming to an end. The Midwestern supermarket chain had incorporated Wahlburgers kiosks into many of its stores as a replacement for its in-house dining option, Market Grille.
Wahlburgers has been growing restaurants, but not in grocery stores. According to CEO Randy Sharpe, "We are growing restaurants. We’re not going to be in the grocery business."
Some of the locations that have closed include those in Downtown Detroit, Flint, Grand Rapids, Royal Oak, and Taylor in Michigan. In Ohio, a handful of locations are still open, but in Illinois, only one location remains.
The closures have been happening for years, with numerous locations shuttered in recent years. As of March, Wahlburgers was operating 34 locations in the U.S.
If this caught your attention, see: Why Are so Many Stores Closing
Specific Closures
Wahlburgers closed its downtown Atlanta restaurant, located at 218 Peachtree Street, less than three years after opening.
The restaurant was among several units the chain has closed in recent years, including the Wahlburgers in Milwaukee's Third Ward, which closed due to the "changing nature of the restaurant business combined with staffing challenges."
A total of 34 restaurants were left in operation as of March 2025, down from a larger number in the past.
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