Wahlburgers Expansion: Coming to Dorchester

BOSTON, MA - Wahlburgers is set to arrive in Dorchester - finally.

Mark, Donnie, and Paul Wahlberg are bringing their burger chain home as part of a large expansion, according to a statement from Wahlburgers.

The food joint will set up shop in the South Bay Center, but it may not take place until 2018. It's one of several planned for opening in Massachusetts.

Wahlburgers announced franchise deals with five new franchise groups to open over 30 stores in several major metro markets across America, including California, Michigan, Ohio, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Seven restaurants are currently open.

Since its 2011 debut in Hingham, Wahlburgers has expanded steadily. To date, 12 area development deals, including two airports, are in place, committing franchise groups to a total of 118 Wahlburgers over the next several years.

"As we pick up the pace of our national expansion, we are pleased to be working with a group of experienced franchisees who have histories of running multiple units successfully," said CEO Rick Vanzura. "We're glad that they are embracing the brand and thank them and the millions of Wahlburgers fans who are contributing to our early success."

According to Vanzura, a new Massachusetts development group, including Wahlberg family members, will open five to 10 additional restaurants in the state, including one in Dorchester, the brothers' hometown.

Photo courtesy of Bill Rice via Flcikr