Wahlburgers
Wahlburgers offers high-quality gourmet hamburgers in Native American tribal locations. Known for its premium burgers, the franchise operates full-service and fast-casual restaurants with an investment range of $1,083,000 to $2,799,000.
About Wahlburgers
Wahlburgers is a casual dining burger restaurant and bar chain. It is owned by chef Paul Wahlberg and his brothers, actors Donnie and Mark. As of July 2025, there are 32 Wahlburgers locations in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, reduced from 109 locations in 2023. The company previously had a restaurant in London. The company also operates a few food trucks in the US.
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Wahlburgers franchise FAQ
How much does it cost to open one — the total initial investment?
The total initial investment necessary to begin operation of a Wahlburgers Restaurant ranges from approximately $1,528,000 to $2,799,000 for a full service restaurant and from $1,083,000 to $1,989,000 for a fast casual restaurant, excluding the cost of land and liquor license. This includes a mandatory payment of between $40,000 and $75,000 to the subfranchisor or its affiliate(s). [p.1]
What is the initial franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee is part of the contract consideration from franchisees and includes payments for the right to access the Company's intellectual property [p.208, p.227]. This fee is nonrefundable and collected when the underlying franchise agreement is signed by the franchisee [p.208, p.227].
What are the ongoing royalty and advertising fees?
The ongoing royalties are based on a percentage of franchisee's gross revenues, ranging from 4.0% to 8.0%, plus a brand fund fee of 0.5%. Advertising fees are collected as part of the royalty payment, with these fees used for advertising and promotional programs for franchise units. [p.210, p.229]
How long is the initial franchise agreement, and can I renew it?
This isn't specified in the excerpts. The FDD does not provide details on the length of the initial franchise agreement or the renewal terms beyond mentioning that a provision exists to permit the franchisor to refuse to renew without fairly compensating under certain conditions [p.6(d)].
Can I sell or transfer my franchise, and what does that require?
You can sell or transfer your franchise, but it requires giving advance notice and submitting a copy of all proposed contracts. Additionally, you must pay a Transfer fee as specified in the agreement. The franchisor may withhold consent for any reasonable grounds or grant it subject to certain conditions [p.95].
On what grounds can the franchisor terminate the agreement?
The franchisor may terminate the franchise agreement if there is good cause, which includes the failure of the franchisee to comply with any lawful provision of the franchise agreement and to cure such failure after being given written notice and a reasonable opportunity (no more than 30 days) to do so. [p.6]
What financial requirements — net worth and liquid capital — do I need to qualify?
This isn't specified in the excerpts. The provided FDD does not detail specific net worth or liquid capital requirements for prospective franchisees.
Do I get an exclusive or protected territory?
You do not receive an exclusive territory under the franchise agreement [p.40]. However, you are provided with a protected area of approximately a 2-mile radius around your Wahlburgers Restaurant, subject to certain exceptions and limitations [p.40].
What training and ongoing support does the franchisor provide?
The franchisor provides additional ongoing training to the franchisee's personnel as needed [p.33]. They may also offer opening assistance, which can include a fee for travel, living, and other expenses incurred by their training team [p.85, p.16]. The specific details of this support are at the franchisor’s discretion based on the needs of the franchisee and available personnel [p.128].
How many franchised outlets are there, and how many have closed or been terminated?
As of December 31, 2024, there were 21 franchised Wahlburgers Restaurants. Additionally, 85 franchised locations that were within Hy-Vee grocery stores had closed, with both Hy-Vee and the franchisor mutually agreeing to these closures. [p.61]
Does the franchisor share any financial performance or earnings information?
According to the FDD excerpts, neither the franchisor nor its representatives make any representations about a franchisee's financial performance or the past financial performance of company-affiliated or franchised outlets. The franchisor does not authorize such representations either orally or in writing [p.54]. However, if you are purchasing an existing outlet, the franchisor may provide actual records of that outlet [p.54].
What am I restricted to selling, and where must I buy supplies?
You are required to sell only the products, services, and brands designated in the Manual or otherwise in writing. Mandatory items for your service format must be offered; some items may also be optional. You cannot use the subfranchised location to sell or display unauthorized items. As for supplies, you may have to buy or lease certain items from the franchisor or a limited group of suppliers designated by them, which might be more expensive than other options [p.4].