Blockbuster: Wahlburgers Finds a Home on the Strip

At long last, Wahlburgers may have found the first of its three locations planned in Las Vegas, aiming for a first spot for its swoon-worthy burgers on the Strip. A source close to the project says Wahlburgers plans to open at the Grand Bazaar Shops, complete with a liquor license. The shopping center under construction at the front of Bally’s Las Vegas plans to debut at the end of February.

Run by executive chef Paul Wahlberg and brothers Mark and Donnie Wahlberg, the famed family turned their Hingham, Mass., burger joint into a huge hit on its own merits, but was put over the top as the focus of the A&E network's Wahlburgers TV show, now in its second season. In September, the show sent out a casting call to create a cast of characters in Las Vegas set to rival Vegas' own Pawn Stars.

Wahlburgers plans three franchises of its restaurant in Las Vegas, teaming up with Vegas American Hospitality Inc. A press release in September suggested that Wahlburgers will debut in Las Vegas in early 2015 "at a location soon to be disclosed." Two more plan to open in the next five years.  

Back in September, the restaurant operators said they were looking for spaces larger than 4,400 square feet with "sizable outdoor patios," similar to the Hingham location. Diners will have both full-serve and quick-serve dining options, take-out and a full bar.

Wahlburgers enters an already crowded burger market. Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich opened B&B Burger & Beer at the Venetian last January. Bobby Flay’s Bobby’s Burger Palace entered the fray at the Shops at Crystals. Daniel Boulud brought his burgers that started the celebrity chef burger trend to his new DB Brasserie at the Venetian. Umami Burger brought California’s favorite burgers to SLS Las Vegas in August. Those are just burger places that opened in the last year. Shake Shack will make its West Coast debut later this month while Smashburger brings its first Strip location to Caesars Palace next year. And don't forget that White Castle should open early in 2015 at Casino Royale with its first West Coast location.

Grand Bazaar Shops, 3645 Las Vegas Blvd. S.