Hollywood star Mark Wahlberg’s burger chain Wahlburgers has closed four of its six Australian restaurants, including its “iconic” location at Circular Quay in Sydney.
A notice was spotted on the door of the Macquarie Street site, but there has been no announcement on the official website or on social media.
“After four remarkable years, Wahlburgers will officially close its doors from Monday, July 20,” the notice said.
“We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve created here, and deeply grateful for the loyalty and support of our wonderful guests and neighbours.”
The Manly beach front restaurant was next to go, with a local on Facebook announcing they had driven past the sport bar on August 2 to see it “all shuttered up”.
The Circular Quay site opened in February 2022 as part of a $50 million partnership with United Cinemas, owned by the Mustaca Group.
The family operated Australian company was founded by Rocco “Roy” Mustaca, while his son Sam serves as chief executive.
In May, Mustaca’s business, Planet Warriewood Pty Ltd, went into receivership along with ten of their properties around the state, Manly Observer reported.
Mark announced the first Australian venue in October 2021.
“I am thrilled to announce Opera Quays at Circular Quay as the location of our first Wahlburgers in Australia,” he said.
“After personally seeing the location, I believe we’ve chosen one of the most iconic venues in the world,” Mr Wahlberg said.
Additional burger venues in Manly, Byron Bay and Warriewood soon followed the opening but have now all been closed.
Restaurants at Bringelly in New South Wales and Surfers Paradise in Queensland remain the only two still open.
Wahlburgers came into fruition in 2011, started by Mark and his brothers chef Paul and singer actor Donnie Wahlberg.
The trio opened 51 locations across the United States and Canada before launching in Australia and the United Kingdom.
Due to the success of the first opening near Alma Nove, the pre-existing restaurant operated by Paul, a reality television series “Wahlburgers” was launched in 2014, on A&E.
The reality program received an Emmy nomination that same year.
At its peak the chain reached a high of 109 venues, but due to underperformance and past Covid-19 issues there are now approximately 30 stores remaining in the world.
News24.com.au reached out to Wahlburgers for comment but at the time of publishing has received no response.