Overview

• Wahlburgers terminated its seven-year Hy-Vee franchise agreement launched in 2017 after the model underperformed.
• The closed outlets were embedded in Hy-Vee grocery stores across Iowa and neighboring states, accounting for 79 closures in 2025.
• CEO Randy Sharpe attributed the move to underperforming off-premises revenues at non–full-service venues inside supermarkets.
• The chain’s U.S. footprint now stands at 34 restaurants after several standalone and grocery-store locations were shuttered.
• Wahlburgers, founded in 2011 by Mark, Donnie and Paul Wahlberg, has struggled to scale its fast-casual brand beyond traditional sit-down service.