Celebrity-owned Wahlburgers closes Olathe location. Here’s where else you can find it

Joyce Smith

The first area Wahlburgers restaurant kicked off to great fanfare in mid-2018 with long lines and a surprise appearance by its celebrity chef.

But now that location — in Olathe Pointe at 11935 S. Blackbob Road in Olathe — has closed.

In a statement, franchisee Hy-Vee said: “The standalone Wahlburgers in Olathe is permanently closed. With the changing nature of the restaurant business combined with staffing challenges, we are evolving our strategy when it comes to this particular Wahlburgers restaurant location. Hy-Vee will now only be opening Wahlburgers at Hy-Vee locations going forward.”

It said the restaurant closed on Jan. 13.

There are currently 61 Wahlburgers at Hy-Vee locations throughout its eight-state region, including area 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 franchisee of Wahlburgers.

Celebrity brothers Mark and Donnie Wahlberg, along with another brother, executive chef Paul Wahlberg, founded the Massachusetts-based chain. Wahlburgers offers signature burgers, sandwiches, entree salads, and frappes and floats in a casual environment.

There was a big crowd for the opening of Wahlburgers, which was a franchise location for Hy-Vee.
There was a big crowd for the opening of Wahlburgers, which was a franchise location for Hy-Vee.

Hy-Vee said employees at the Olathe restaurant have been offered other positions with Hy-Vee/Wahlburgers.

On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina had originally operated in the freestanding building. Dodge City Distillery then remodeled it for a 2011 opening but closed in mid-2014.

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