Wahlburgers co-founder and entrepreneur to
highlight brand's journey, growth and vision for the future
PHOENIX, Jan. 30,
2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Renowned actor, producer,
entrepreneur and philanthropist Mark Wahlberg — founder of
Flecha Cantina and co-founder of
Wahlburgers — will be the keynote speaker at the 2025 Restaurant
Leadership Conference, taking place April
13-16 at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort &
Spa.
Wahlberg will share his insights on leadership, innovation and
entrepreneurship as he recounts the 13-year journey of building
Wahlburgers alongside his brothers, Paul and Donnie, along with his
ventures through Flecha Cantina, in
a fireside chat at the event on April
14 at 3:45 p.m. MST. His
keynote will highlight the challenges and triumphs of owning a
family restaurant brand, as well as the deep influence his family
has had on the concept and menu lineup.
"It's an honor to speak at the Restaurant Leadership Conference
and share the Wahlburgers story," said Mark
Wahlberg. "The journey of creating this brand with my
brothers has been filled with lessons in leadership, innovation and
family values. I'm excited to connect with other industry leaders
and share how those principles continue to guide us as we
grow."
In addition to announcing Wahlberg as the keynote speaker,
Wahlburgers revealed exciting developments for the brand, which is
positioned for exponential growth in 2025 and beyond:
- Expansion into Puerto
Rico: Wahlburgers will open its first of five locations
on the island this year, marking a significant milestone in its
international expansion efforts.
- Strategic Partnerships: New collaborations with Resorts
World Las Vegas are bringing Wahlburgers to bold, high-energy
spaces, expanding the brand beyond traditional restaurant
settings.
- Oklahoma Debut: Wahlburgers will open its first location
inside the Comanche Cache Casino in Oklahoma, further expanding its domestic
footprint.
- Drive-Thru Innovation and Upscale Dining: The brand is
testing its first drive-thru concept in Australia, in addition to developing an
upscale dining experience, showcasing its commitment to innovation
in the evolving restaurant landscape.
- Global Ambitions: Wahlburgers is further broadening its
global presence, having recently signed a master franchise
agreement for the Asia-Pacific
market with Sam Mustaca, the brand's
master franchisee in Australia and
New Zealand.
The Restaurant Leadership Conference is renowned for its
impactful four-day program, offering restaurant leaders exclusive
insights, networking opportunities and innovative strategies to
address today's industry challenges. Attendees will benefit from
expert sessions, cutting-edge developments and thought leadership
from some of the industry's most respected voices.
"We are excited to welcome Mark
Wahlberg to our stage as the VIP keynote speaker at the
Restaurant Leadership Conference this April! Each year, we aim to
enhance our event with valuable insights, the latest trends and
impactful sessions featuring a diverse array of dynamic speakers.
Mark's influence goes well beyond the film industry, and attendees
can look forward to an engaging experience as he shares insights
about his restaurant ventures with his brothers. It's going to be a
tough act to follow next year!" said Emily
Nordee-Rogers, Head of Content, Restaurant Conferences for
Informa Connect.
Wahlberg's appearance at RLC comes at a pivotal time for
Wahlburgers, as the brand accelerates its expansion efforts while
staying committed to delivering exceptional dining experiences.
For more information about the Restaurant Leadership Conference,
visit restaurantleadership.com. To learn more about Wahlburgers or
find a location nearby, visit wahlburgers.com.
ABOUT WAHLBURGERS
Founded by Mark Wahlberg, Donnie
Wahlberg and Executive Chef Paul
Wahlberg, Wahlburgers debuted in October 2011 in Hingham, Massachusetts. The subject of an
A&E reality show, Wahlburgers offers a fun, casual and
music-filled atmosphere where guests — like family — share great
food, a few laughs and lots of love. While its walls celebrate the
family's story through photos and words of the Wahlberg brothers'
life journeys from Dorchester,
Massachusetts, neighborhood kids to internationally
recognized celebrities and a rising chef, the food at Wahlburgers
takes center stage. Crafted by Chef Paul and served with heartfelt
hospitality, Wahlburgers' menu features a variety of premium
burgers made with 100% Certified Angus Beef, house-made condiments,
seared salmon, and other signature items such as The Super Melt,
Housemade Chili, Bacon Mac N'Cheese, Parmesan Truffle Tots and
housemade shakes. The restaurant also offers entree salads,
vegetarian and gluten-free options. Wahlburgers' full-service bar
is also a popular gathering spot to enjoy delectable Adult Shakes,
cocktails, wines and beers, including the signature Wahlbrewski -
an unfiltered Pale Ale draft beer. Dedicated to giving back,
Wahlburgers is active in every community it serves: The Mark
Wahlberg Youth Foundation, which aims to raise and distribute funds
to youth service and enrichment programs, was established in 2001
by Mark and Jim Wahlberg, who are
lifelong members and advocates of the Boys and Girls Clubs of
America. Open daily, Wahlburgers offers full-service dining,
counter service, takeout and a full-service bar. For locations and
more information visit wahlburgers.com.
Contact: Tiffany Martinez,
Champion
817.919.6261; tmartinez@championmgt.com
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SOURCE Wahlburgers
