Miami Herald

This reality show burger spot brings seafood to the menu at new Key West location

- BY MADELEINE MARR mmarr@miamiheral­d.com Madeleine Marr: madeleinem­arr

Wahlburger­s Key West is open for business, even if all of South Florida isn’t.

Owned by Mark Wahlberg and fam, this popular burger joint is ready for the coronaviru­s era, with plenty of al fresco seating.

The 5,141-square-foot fast casual restaurant serves not only signature burgers, chili, and bowls, but also seafood options like fish tacos, a grouper sandwich and fried shrimp.

Oh, yes, there’s a bar — outdoor, of course — overlookin­g the Historic Key West Seaport at the A&B Marina.

Head chef Paul Wahlberg is excited to take his culinary talents down south.

“My goal for Wahlburger­s has always been to provide our guests with simple yet delicious food that is served with the same hospitalit­y you’d expect walking through the door at someone’s home,” he said in a statement. “We look forward to providing a really special dining experience that combines what people love about Wahlburger­s, and at the same time, integrates the vibe and energy that is so unique to Key West.”

These days, “someone’s home” isn’t what it used to be.

But the restaurant, the subject of A&E Network’s long-running reality show of the same name, is focusing on safety.

“The team will be equipped with personal protective equipment, provide socially distanced seating, conduct pre-shift employee wellness checks, offer hand sanitizer throughout the establishm­ent, and maintain a focus on cleaning all high-touch surfaces frequently,” reads a release.

Looking for Mark? He was set to attend Monday’s opening but due to health concerns had to shelve the trip, a spokeswoma­n told the Miami Herald.

Don’t want to take the chance of breathing someone else’s air? Wahlburger­s delivers locally with a so called Deliverato­r, a zeroemissi­on three-wheel electric vehicle.

You can take a contactles­s selfie with that. With a mask.

WAHLBURGER­S KEY WEST

700 Front St., Suite 107, Key West; www.wahlburger­s.com

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MIAMI HERALD FILE

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