Wahlburgers, the better-burger concept backed by film star Mark Wahlberg and his brothers, has signed Manny Garcia’s Davgar Holdings Group as its franchisee for Florida and Big Apple Burgers as the operator of stores in New York City.
Under the deals, Davgar has committed to open 20 of the full-service restaurants, which also offer fast-casual service and to-go orders; and Big Apple Burgers, the partnership led by New York’s John Cestare, has agreed to open six.
Garcia is a well-known figure in the Orlando and greater Florida restaurant markets, having operated his own chain, Pebbles, and such upscale restaurants as Harvey’s Bistro. He also operated franchised Burger King restaurants.
With the ventures announced last week, Wahlburgers now has 40 restaurants open or under agreement, the company said.
The chain was founded by Paul Wahlberg, a chef, in collaboration with his brothers, Mark and Donny, both of whom have show businesses careers.
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