Overview
There's a reality TV show for everything and, via the 2014–9 series Wahlburgers, that includes burger joints owned by actor Mark Wahlberg and his brothers. Fancy eating the chain's fast-food fare, rather than just watching it? You're in luck.
After launching its first Sydney restaurant in February, Wahlburgers is finally making its promised debut in New Zealand. The successful US burger chain's first outpost will be located in downtown Auckland — more specifically in the space that formerly belonged to fine-dining restaurant Euro, which fell victim to the pandemic last year. So yes, you'll be able to enjoy your burgers, shakes, beers and 'wahlbowls' with ocean views.
If the Wahlberg name has you thinking about movies — with Mark starring in everything from Boogie Nights to Instant Family, and his co-owner and brother (and ex-New Kids on the Block member) Donnie Wahlberg also featuring in The Sixth Sense and the Saw franchise — then that won't change at Wahlburgers' NZ joints. The chain's venture Down Under is a collaboration with United Cinemas, and some of the former's sites will be located within the latter's picture palaces.
Michael Rivera via Wikimedia Commons
If you're hoping to grab a glimpse of the A-list actor, you'll definitely want to hang out at the burger restaurant. In a statement, Wahlberg said he is "really looking forward" to opening the first Wahlburgers in New Zealand and he hopes to visit "soon".
Just when the new 240-seat restaurant will open hasn't been officially revealed, although Sam Mustaca, CEO of United Cinemas New Zealand and Wahlburgers New Zealand, says it will be late 2022. After the initial Auckland opening, they plan to open more sites across Aotearoa, including the United Cinema site at Bayfair Shopping Centre at Tauranga, and perhaps down south in tourist hotspot Queenstown.
"With really great food, beers and a fun atmosphere, we think it's going to be a big hit," said Mustica in a statement.
Wahlburgers will open at the former Euro Restaurant and Coley & Punch venue, Shed 22, Princes Wharf in Auckland's CBD, sometime in late 2022. We'll update you with an official opening date once it becomes available — and you can keep up with updates on the chain's Instagram page in the interim.