Mark Wahlberg Is Expanding His Burger Franchise

Movie star Mark Wahlberg and his brothers are taking a huge gamble with their burger chain, announcing plans—and inking paperwork—to expand the Boston-based chain Wahlburgers to 118 new locations—a massive jump from the current seven.

Following in the footsteps of fast-casual burger chains, the Wahlburgers—Mark, Donnie (the ex-New Kid On The Block) and Paul, a chef with 30 years of experience—wants to take on Shake Shack, Five Guys and Smashburger, Business Insider reports. 

Want to avoid the long lines of screaming fans outside? No problem. The burger chain now provides a buzzer to alert you when your order is ready. 

While the outside displays the signature Wahlburger sign, the overall feel of the interior is casual and inviting.

Just like their competition, Wahlburgers offers the option to order food at the register and pick it up at the counter. Unlike their competition, however, Wahlburgers places strong emphasis on dining in. 

Their signature burger still graces the menu, alongside their crunchy tater tots, slurp-worthy shakes and mouthwatering "Grilled Banana Fluffanutta." 

In another twist on the burger experience, Wahlburgers boasts a full-service bar for those who want to partake in a little happy hour.

Want to brag about your trip to the franchise? Throw on one of their signature-stamped T-shirts or hats. Heck, splurge and buy them both! You don't want to be the only kid on the block without one, after all. 

While they may be the new kids on the block in the burger world, they're making strides to get ahead of their meaty competition. [BI]