NEW ORLEANS -- Wahlburgers, a hamburger chain founded by actors Mark and Donnie Wahlberg and led by their brother Paul as executive chef, announced Wednesday it will expand to the greater New Orleans area, opening two restaurants here in the coming months.
A news release from the chain did not release specifics on the possible locations, only saying that Wahlburgers was currently considering several prospective locations.
"Wahlburgers restaurants are typically located in highly trafficked areas with proximity to shopping, entertainment, or sports venues, feature expansive outdoor patios, and range in size from 4,000 – 6,000 square feet," the chain said in its release.
The chain, founded in 2011 in the brothers' home state of Massachusetts, is currently located in several major cities across the country as well as in Canada.
"I love New Orleans. I’ve enjoyed making movies there and spending a lot of time in the city. I have tremendous respect for its resilience and character. It's exciting to have Wahlburgers become part of the community," said Mark Wahlberg in a statement.
“Our menu reflects a mix of all American classics and Wahlberg childhood favorites,” explains Paul Wahlberg. “While it remains consistent among our locations, I know we won’t be able to resist creating a specialty burger inspired by New Orleans’ rich Cajun and Creole culture and historic traditions.”
Mark Wahlberg, a former rapper and model known as "Marky Mark," is an Academy Award-nominated actor who has filmed several movies in south Louisiana, including "Deepwater Horizon" and "Contraband."
His brother Donnie, a former member of the singing group New Kids on the Block, is also an actor, starring in the hit CBS series "Blue Bloods."
The family and their restaurant are also featured in an A&E cable reality TV series called "Wahlburgers."
