The Wahlberg brothers have named Rick Vanzura chief executive officer of Wahlburgers to lead the expansion of this burger restaurant concept with its flagship location in Hingham, Massachusetts, just 15 miles south of Boston.
Wahlburgers debuted last October following the successful launch in June 2010 of the brothers’ first venture, Alma Nove, a fine dining waterfront restaurant named for their mother and nine siblings.
Formerly executive vice president and co-chief operating officer of Panera, LLC, Vanzura, a Hingham resident, will focus on growing the Wahlburgers brand with plans to open more nationwide beginning in the Boston area.
“After spending several months getting to know the Wahlbergs, I was struck by their commitment to building a world-class concept offering extraordinary food and an exceptional experience,” Vanzura says. “This is not just another celebrity-driven restaurant. Paul is an exceptional chef, and his commitment to quality shows up in the restaurant every day.”
According to Vanzura, Wahlburgers is a hometown Boston brand inspired by memories of the Wahlberg brothers’ pre-celebrity days growing up in their Dorchester neighborhood.
“We hope to share a little bit of our childhood times with our guests,” Paul Wahlberg says. “Our family has had some humble beginnings and some amazing success, but at Wahlburgers, it’s all about the food.”
"Mark and I are pleased to pair a proven executive like Rick with an outstanding chef like Paul to continue to develop Wahlburgers and grow our family business," says Donnie Wahlberg.
Wahlburgers offers fast-casual counter service as well as table service in the bar area and sprawling outdoor patio. Its menu features fresh ground beef burgers made from an exclusive blend of chuck, brisket and short rib, as well as turkey burgers, salmon burgers, all beef hot dogs, crispy fries, onion rings, tater tots, signature ice cream frappes, house made desserts, and more.
With full liquor service, Wahlburgers has become a lively nightspot serving enticing adult frappes, cocktails, and brews including the Wahlbrewski, unfiltered Pale Ale made by Harpoon especially for Wahlburgers.
