Donnie Wahlberg Confirms Delay Of St. Charles Wahlburgers Opening

ST. CHARLES, IL — Actor and singer Donnie Wahlberg recently confirmed the outbreak of the coronavirus has forced him to postpone the opening of the Wahlburgers restaurant in St. Charles. The burger concept restaurant and full-service bar was set to open in early April.

Wahlberg said April 10 in an Instagram post that the Wahlburgers franchise is taking a financial hit like almost all other businesses in the hospitality industry, with most Americans being ordered to stay at home. The St. Charles resident posted photos of the nearly completed restaurant alongside a hopeful message about the restaurant’s eventual opening.

"I look forward to the day, in the not too distant future, when we are together in this finally ‘completed’ restaurant. Laughing, smiling, talking, listening, eating, drinking, sharing, crying and hopefully yes — hugging,” Wahlberg wrote.

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St. Charles Mayor Raymond Rogina and Donnie Wahlberg broke ground in March 2019 at the new Wahlburgers spot in the southwest corner of Route 38 and Randall Road in the Meijer lot, as previously reported. Wahlberg owns the Wahlburgers franchise with his two brothers, actor Mark and executive chef Paul, who have expanded the brand nationwide.

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In his Instagram post, Wahlberg told followers he misses them and urged them to work toward a better “new normal.”

“[If] we keep each other in mind and move forward from this time with a greater respect for each other, with a greater feeling of love in the forefront of our hearts and a greater sense of kindness in the forefront of our minds — then maybe, just maybe, the new normal can be an even better place for all,” Wahlberg wrote. “And when those doors finally do open — I will be there to lovingly welcome you into the new normal.”

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