Ever since the new Wahlburgers location opened on May 4 this year, Boston dining has found a home for itself in downtown Raleigh in the form of leather booth cushions, mahogany tabletops and Angus brisket.
Wahlburgers is a Boston-style burger joint founded in 2011 by chef Paul Wahlberg alongside his brothers, actors Mark and Donnie Wahlberg. Since its founding, the restaurant has steadily gained popularity, with locations nationwide and two international spots in Ontario and London.
The restaurant’s Fayetteville Street placement allows it to easily gain traffic due to its proximity to several well-known locations in the city. This includes the Raleigh Courthouse and the ABC 11 Eyewitness News station adjacent to it, and the Raleigh Convention Center and Sheraton hotel found behind it.
Upon entering, customers are greeted by the restaurant’s green and brown color scheme in the form of murals, paintings,l and photos — including one of the Walhbergs with a neighborhood baseball team — all while alternative rock from earlier in the millenium plays softly in the background.
“I was a bit surprised to find out it was Marky Mark’s restaurant,” said Suzann Molina, a fourth-year studying business. “But I instantly made the connection when I walked in. The design is really nice.”
Wahlburgers offers customers three methods of ordering: full-service, which mimics standard restaurants, counter ordering, where customers order as soon as they walk in for faster dining, and to-go ordering, which can be handled over the phone. All of these come equipped with the radiant personalities of the servers.
“Family values are a big part of Wahlburgers,” said Casey Humphries, a Wahlburgers manager. “It’s all about helping one another and delivering that experience to the guests so they feel like they are a part of the family.”
Its signature items are the House Burgers — up to three ⅓-pound, angus brisket patties topped with government cheese, lettuce, tomato and onions along with Paul Wahlberg’s own “Wahl Sauce”. Customers are allowed to add a wide selection of toppings to their meal, ranging from fried eggs to avocado spread.
Despite its name, Wahlburgers ensures that its House Burgers are not the only things people crave. The restaurant appeals to a wider range of customers by diversifying its selection through entries like its made-from-scratch macaroni and cheese and haddock sandwiches, as well as plant-based burgers, salads and gluten free options.
“It’s good,” said Malik Walker, a third year studying graphic design. “They’re dense burgers, so even one is very filling.”
The establishment contains a full-service bar, offering a variety of beer, wine, premium liquor and their own concoctions for customers of legal age. For younger audiences, there is a selection of kids meals, including chicken tenders and hot dogs.
“Generally, we get a middle-aged and younger crowd,” Humphries said. “We pull a lot of the people that work and live around downtown.”
Walker and Molina mentioned initially being deterred by the seemingly steep prices, but both agreed that the meal was worth it.
“The servers were really nice and attentive,” Molina said. “They have really thick burgers,which I’m not used to from usual fast-food chains, but it was good and very filling.”
The Wahlbergs don’t limit their marketing to the restaurant either. Since 2014, they’ve been producing their own television show that shares a title with the establishment, which airs on A&E. It showcases the family’s antics as well as the management of Wahlburgers behind-the-scenes. The television series has received an Emmy nomination and is currently on its ninth season.
The success of the restaurant and its television series have allowed the Wahlbergs to sell products outside of the restaurant. Their Boston, Philadelphia and Palo Alto locations offer catering for special events via food trucks.
Wahlburgers offers entrees that accommodate for most — if not any — diet. While paying to park downtown before 5 p.m. may deter some, its delicious brisket and great bar selections make Wahlburgers a wonderful addition to Raleigh’s nightlife when spaces are free.
