Wahlburgers Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)

Wahlburgers is a fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in gourmet hamburgers and related merchandise. Founded in 2011 by chef Paul Wahlberg and his brothers, actors Mark and Donnie Wahlberg, the first location opened in Hingham, Massachusetts.

The company’s headquarters are located at 350 Lincoln Street, Suite 2501, Hingham, MA. The franchise began offering franchising opportunities in 2014.

Wahlburgers restaurants feature high-quality gourmet hamburgers and ancillary branded merchandise such as clothing, souvenirs, and novelty items. The brand emphasizes a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere with a menu inspired by the Wahlberg family’s favorite meals.

The brand differentiates itself by combining a celebrity-backed concept with a commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients and a unique family-inspired dining experience.

Initial Investment

How much does it cost to start a Wahlburgers franchise? It costs on average between $1,140,000 – $2,755,000 to start a Wahlburgers franchised restaurant.

This includes costs for construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operating expenses. The exact amount depends on various factors, including the type of restaurant you choose, the location, and whether the franchisee chooses to lease or purchase the property. Wahlburgers offers 2 types of franchises:

Wahlburgers ConceptInitial Investment Range
Full-Service Restaurant$1,530,000 – $2,755,000
Fast Casual Restaurant$1,140,000 – $1,995,000

We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Wahlburgers Full-Service Restaurant. For more information on costs required to start a Wahlburgers franchise, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).

Type of ExpenditureAmount
Initial Franchise Fee$50,000
Grand Opening Advertising$15,000
Real EstateVariable
Architectural Design Services$25,000 – $55,000
Construction/Leasehold Improvements$900,000 – $1,800,000
Travel and Living Expenses While Training$25,000 – $80,000
Furnishing, Fixtures, Equipment$350,000 – $450,000
Signage$25,000 – $35,000
Smallwares$20,000 – $50,000
Initial Inventory$10,000 – $20,000
Liquor LicensesVariable
Miscellaneous Opening Costs$30,000 – $60,000
Register or Point of Sale System$30,000 – $40,000
Additional Funds – 3 months$50,000 – $100,000
Total$1,530,000 – $2,755,000

Wahlburgers Franchise Disclosure Document

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Wahlburgers locations are there?

As of the latest data, Wahlburgers operates a total of 110 locations. Of these, 106 are franchised units, while the company directly owns and operates 4 locations.

What is the total investment required to open a Wahlburgers franchise?

The total investment required to open a Wahlburgers franchise ranges from $1,140,000 to $2,755,000.

What are the ongoing fees for a Wahlburgers franchise?

Wahlburgers franchisees are required to pay an ongoing royalty fee of 6% of their gross sales. Additionally, franchisees contribute 1% of their gross sales to a marketing fund.

What are the financial requirements to become a Wahlburgers franchisee?

To qualify as a Wahlburgers franchisee, candidates must have a minimum net worth of $5 million. Additionally, a development fee of $10,000 per location is required.

Who owns Wahlburgers?

Wahlburgers is a franchise owned by chef Paul Wahlberg and his brothers, actors Mark and Donnie Wahlberg.

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: This content has been made for informational and educational purposes only. We do not make any representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of the information presented in the article. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other professional advice. Nothing contained in this article constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, advertisement, or offer to buy or sell any franchises, securities, or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the franchise and/or securities laws of such jurisdiction.

All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the detailed circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in the article constitutes professional and/or financial and/or legal advice, nor does any information in the article constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in this article before making any decisions based on such information or other content.

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