Wahlburgers, from brothers Paul, Donnie and Mark Wahlberg, is set to be the new kid on the block that is the UK high street casual dining scene.
The US burger chain has signed a deal to take a 6,000 sq ft property at 8-9 James Street in London's Covent Garden, set to be the first of 50 in the UK over the next five years as part of the brand's global expansion plans.
Wahlburgers is owned by chef Paul Wahlberg in partnership with two of his brothers, actors Donnie and Mark. The brand is looking to open its first five sites in central London, with the first 180-cover restaurant at the former Maxwell's site expected to open in the autumn - the brand's first site in Europe.
David Rawlinson of Restaurant Property is the sole agent for the chain in the UK. He said: "The concept is interesting, because itâs a really family-oriented restaurant. The burger lives up to the hype - it really is a good, authentic experience."
Wahlburgers opened its first restaurant in Massachusetts, USA in 2011 and has since grown to 16 restaurants in the US and two in Canada, with approximately 300 global sites in the pipeline.