Wahlburgers, the Boston-based fast casual eatery founded by Mark, Donnie, and Paul Wahlberg, is banking New Yorkers will overlook their city’s storied rivalry by concentrating on something other than sports — burgers.
"What's core to the burgers, that really does set us apart, is a custom blend of angus beef," said Rick Vanzura, CEO of Wahlburgers.
"Pat LaFrieda, the New York famous butcher, supplies all of our meat," said Mark Singer, the franchisee who runs the Coney Island Wahlburgers. "All of our produce is local to the Brooklyn area."
"At our core, it's about the burgers," Vanzura said.
Inspired by family gatherings at the dinner table, the brothers each have a signature burger dedicated to them on the menu, with a few New England specialties like fluffernutter frappes providing the place a welcomed Boston accent.
"The fluffernutter is a Paul special, it's really a homage to his childhood," Vanzura said.
Though the menu mirrors Wahlburgers’ other locations, its rooftop bar with views of Luna Park offers visitors a chance to unwind after strolling the Coney Island boardwalk.
"Coney Island dates back a long time, especially for Donnie," Singer said. "New Kids on the Block filmed their first video right over there."
"This was the first time all three brothers had been together for the preview party."
While there’s plenty of entertainment nearby, guests might have the most fun picking a favorite sandwich amongst this funky bunch.
"I'm about to eat my way through the Wahlburger family. I'm going to start with Mark, a Thanksgiving style burger. There's definitely a healthy component to this, hopefully it will give me abs like Marky Mark.
"I'm moving down to the New Kid on the Block, aka Donny. Bacon, swiss, and the patty, you can't go wrong.
"Finishing up with chef Paul, classic all American burger. His burger is my favorite out of the three."