The area’s first Wahlburgers restaurant got off to a flying start in mid-2018 with long lines and a surprise appearance by its celebrity chef.
But now that location – on Olathe Pointe at 11935 S. Blackbob Road in Olathe – has closed.
In a statement, the Hy-Vee franchisee said, Olathe’s standalone Wahlburgers is permanently closed. With the changing nature of the restaurant industry coupled with staffing challenges, we are evolving our strategy with regards to this particular Wahlburgers restaurant location. From now on Hy-Vee will only open Wahlburger in Hy-Vee locations.
It said the restaurant closed on January 13th.
There are currently 61 Wahlburgers in Hy-Vee locations throughout its eight-state region, including locations in Blue Springs, Independence, Kansas City, Lee’s Summit, Liberty and Overland Park. Hy-Vee plans to open more than 20 new locations this year, making it the largest Wahlburgers franchisee.
Celebrity brothers Mark and Donnie Wahlberg, along with another brother, executive chef Paul Wahlberg, founded the Massachusetts-based chain. Wahlburgers offers signature burgers, sandwiches, entrée salads and frappes, and floats in a casual setting.
There were large crowds for the opening of Wahlburgers which was a franchise location for Hy-Vee.
Hy-Vee said Olathe restaurant employees have been offered other positions with Hy-Vee/Wahlburgers.
On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina originally operated out of the freestanding building. Dodge City Distillery then refurbished it for a 2011 opening, but it closed in mid-2014.
