Wahlburgers Franchise Expansion On Track With 20-Store Deal In The Middle East And Airport Agreements
May 06, 2015, 10:53 ET
BOSTON, May 6, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Wahlburgers, the casual burger restaurant founded by brothers Mark, Donnie, and Paul Wahlberg and subject of the popular A&E TV reality series, has secured a 20-store franchise deal with Arjomand Group of the Middle East and an agreement with SSP America, a division of SSP Group, to operate at Boston's Logan and Toronto's Pearson airports. Also, Wahlburgers has extended its contract with New York-based Big Apple Burgers to include six units on Long Island, in addition to five in Manhattan and one on Coney Island.
Since its 2011 debut in Hingham, MA, franchise growth for Wahlburgers has been on track with two stores now open and 66 more under development to open over the next several years. Six to eight stores are slated to open in 2015 as follows: In Q2, Wahlburgers will open in Lynnfield, MA, and Coney Island. In Q3, a third Greater Boston location will open near Fenway Park. Wahlburgers' second unit in Toronto will open this fall in Terminal One of Toronto Pearson International Airport with additional openings possible by year's end in Orlando, Philadelphia, New York and Las Vegas - all subject to lease negotiations and construction schedules.
"We are happy to be taking this next step in our development with the Arjomand Group and SSP America. It reflects our continued commitment to teaming with proven operators who can represent the brand well throughout the world," said Mark Wahlberg.
"We are thrilled to continue our growth with outstanding franchise partners," said Rick Vanzura CEO of Wahlburgers. "The reality of bringing Wahlburgers to our friends in the Middle East is extremely exciting, as is offering our burgers and heartfelt hospitality to those traveling through Boston and Toronto airports."
"We are very proud of the Wahlberg family for creating such a great franchise concept, and we plan on making it a huge success in the Middle East region," said Farooq Mahmood Arjomand Founding Chairman & CEO of the Arjomand Group.
"Wahlburger's is an exciting addition to the restaurant portfolios of Toronto's Pearson and Boston's Logan. It provides a unique menu with name recognition—the combination offers a level of diversity we haven't seen before. Add in a great operator like SSP America, and it's a win, win, win for everyone," said Pat Murray, Executive Vice President, SSP America.
Wahburgers restaurants share the signature characteristics of the flagship Wahlburgers in Hingham, Mass., including full-serve and quick-serve dining options, take-out and a full bar. To inquire regarding business opportunities please visit http://www.wahlburgersrestaurant.com/franchise/.
ABOUT WAHLBURGERS
Founded by Executive Chef Paul Wahlberg and celebrity brothers Mark and Donnie Wahlberg. Wahlburgers, the subject of an A&E reality show, offers a fun, casual music-filled atmosphere where guests, like family, share great food, a few laughs and lots of love. While its interior decor is filled with photos and memories celebrating the brothers' life journeys from Dorchester neighborhood kids to rising chef and international superstars, Wahlburgers makes food the real star. Guests enjoy delicious fresh ground beef burgers, pure beef hot dogs, crispy fries, onion rings, tater tots, signature salads, specialty frappes, beer and cocktails - all served with heartfelt hospitality. Dedicated to giving back, Wahlburgers is active in every community it serves. Open daily for lunch and dinner, Wahlburgers offers fast casual and table service. For locations and more information visit http://www.wahlburgersrestaurant.com.
Social Media Links
https://www.facebook.com/wahlburgers
https://twitter.com/Wahlburgers
About ARJOMAND GROUP
Arjomand Group is one of the leading & most respected organizations in the Middle East, operating over 15 companies under the leadership of Mr. Farooq Arjomand. The group operates in segments such as trading, restaurants, hospitality, travel, executive aviation, institutional laundry, corporate finance, shares & bonds, investment banking, real estate, lighting & interiors. Arjomand Group has offices across Europe & GCC countries. http://www.arjomandgroup.com/group.html
ABOUT SSP America
Since its arrival to North America in 2007, SSP America, a division of SSP Group, has positioned itself as the food travel expert, growing to become a leading operator of food and beverage concessions in the U.S. and Canada operating over 200 outlets in 24 airports. SSP America's strong growth has been driven by a strategic vision to dramatically improve the food travel experience for passengers through innovation and investment in brands, extensive training and development of staff, building lasting partnerships with airports, and together, putting the needs of the passenger first. The 3,600-person strong SSP America team is led by a seasoned group of restaurant professionals who operate an extensive portfolio of local, proprietary and national brands created by culinary celebrities and leading industry experts. www.foodtravelexperts.com/america
About Big Apple Burgers
New York native John Cestare and partners of Big Apple Burgers have been in the restaurant and nightlife industry over 20 years with many successful national brands.
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SOURCE Wahlburgers