Mark Wahlberg and Brothers Finally Bringing Wahlburgers to Chicago: Report

As if Chicago doesn’t have enough burger places, celebrity/actor Mark Wahlberg stands poised to finally bring his chain to the city. Ownership didn’t share the address where they plan on opening a Wahlburgers, but they did tell Crain’s to expect a 2018 opening somewhere in River North. The burger chain’s Chicago arrival has been rumored for years. Construction should start in June, according to the report.

There are 13 Wahlburgers in the U.S. and Canada, leading local food writers all over North America to heavily reference Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch’s one-hit wonder, Good Vibrations. Wahlburgers, owned by the brothers Mark, Donnie, and chef Paul, has also been the subject of a few court cases. The first restaurant opened in 2011 in Hingham, Mass. There’s even a self-titled reality show about the burger chain that airs on A&E. The River North location will have a special Chicago burger to try to endear the chain to locals, Crain’s reported.

The chain specializes in thick-cut patties. Take a peek at the menu here. Where will Wahlburgers fall in a crowded burger landscape in Chicago that includes—among others—Au Cheval, Kuma’s Corner, and Edzo’s? Stay tuned for where and when to feel the vibrations.