Wahlburgers New Zealan

PHOTO: Wahlburgers

According to STUFF shipments of fryers and other items have set back the opening of actor Mark Wahlberg’s restaurant, Wahlburgers, in New Zealand.

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Wahlburgers is a chain of burger joints co-owned by the star of The Lovely Bones and his brothers Donnie, from New Kids on The Block, and Paul, a chef.

Mark Wahlberg co-owns the Wahlburgers burger chain with two of his brothers, Donnie and Paul. (File photo)
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Mark Wahlberg co-owns the Wahlburgers burger chain with two of his brothers, Donnie and Paul. (File photo)

The New Zealand expansion deal is a partnership with the Mustaca family, owners of Australia’s largest independent cinema chain, United Cinemas.

Sam Mustaca, the chief executive of United Cinemas NZ and of Wahlburgers New Zealand, said an original opening date for New Zealand was planned between September and November. However, shipments affected by Covid-19 have pushed the date back.

Wahlburgers

Mark Wahlberg to bring his burger chain Wahlburgers to New Zealand

“We’re waiting on fryers out of the US, grills out of the US – there’s proprietary items within Wahlburgers that you have to use as part of their system,” he said.

Food used in the restaurant is all locally sourced, so “nothing from a food perspective will be imported into New Zealand”, according to Muscata.

The delays in shipments have also caused hiccups for the opening of the brand’s Australian stores. Its restaurant in Surfers Paradise, Queensland, was originally due to begin trading in mid-September but didn’t open until October 13.

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