WAHLBERG BRINGS BURGER JOINT TO GC
HOLLYWOOD superstar Mark Wahlberg (inset) and his brothers Donnie and Paul are set to bring their much-hyped burger restaurant to the Gold Coast.
Wahlburgers Surfers Paradise will launch in the Paradise Centre at Cavill Ave, offering its trademark fun, casual dining experience for up to 140 patrons from September.
The launch is part of a national rollout of the brand to new locations including Byron Bay and Sydney’s northern beaches after a successful first Australian foray at Circular Quay.
Franchise rights for Wahlburgers in Australia and New Zealand are owned by United Cinema chain founder Roy Mustaca and his son Sam, who toured the site on Thursday.
As well as for its burgers, Wahlburgers is known in the US for its crispy fried pickles, variety of tater tots, decadent milkshakes and in-house “Wahlbrewski” beers.
A special Vegemite aioli has also been concocted exclusively for the Australian stores.
Mr Mustaca said the menu for the Gold Coast store would be tweaked to focus more on breakfast and brunch by the beach.
“The venue will have a very beachy, laid-back vibe,” he said.
“We chose the Gold Coast because it’s one of the most beautiful spots in Australia – we can’t wait to serve the community here.”
Wahlburgers Byron Bay is due to open next month in the town’s Mercato shopping centre, which the Mustaca family bought in partnership with the real estate-developing Pelligra family for about $120m last year.
Wahlburgers has launched more than 90 locations throughout North America and Europe and plans to open 19 restaurants in Australia.