Wahlburgers, the U.S.-based burger concept launched by executive chef Paul Wahlberg and brothers Mark and Donnie will announce the next step in a North American expansion with the debut of its first Canadian location at Toronto’s SoHo Metropolitan Hotel.
Wahlburgers Canada is a collaboration of the Wahlbergs with Bruce Greenberg, president of Starwood Group; Michael Wekerle, executive chairman of Difference Capital; and Henry Wu, president of Metropolitan Hotels.
Inspired by their love for the burger and the casual comfort food of their Boston childhood, the Wahlberg brothers opened the original Wahlburgers in October 2011 as a chef-driven burger concept. The menu features fresh, made-to-order burgers, along with family-favorite recipes made with locally sourced, house-made ingredients.
“My brothers and I are thrilled to announce the opening of our Canadian location at the SoHo Metropolitan Hotel,” says Paul Wahlberg, executive chef of Wahlburgers. “Having spent a lot of time in the city, we have a strong connection to Toronto and appreciate the vibrant food culture. The Toronto Wahlburgers location will help build on that by using local purveyors to bring our menu to life.”
The Wahlburgers menu places emphasis on its use of locally sourced and house-made ingredients. The Toronto location will reflect the brand’s philosophy of partnering with local food purveyors, as well as feature signature house-made ingredients like Paul’s original Wahl sauce.
Menu highlights include:
- Donnie’s Choice: “The BBQ Bacon Burger” topped with white Cheddar cheese, bacon, and avocado, finished with jalapenos and a house-made BBQ sauce
- Mark’s Choice: “The Thanksgiving Burger” made with fresh ground and seasoned turkey dressed with Paul’s orange cranberry sauce, homemade roasted butternut squash, and stuffing
- Paul’s Choice: The Wahlburgers original “Our Burger” made fresh to order with the restaurant’s special blend of beef topped with government cheese (American cheese), dill pickles, lettuce, tomato, onion, and finished with the signature Wahl sauce
While burgers are the main focus, Wahlburgers offers a variety of sandwiches and salads. Other specialties include a selection of house sides like Mom’s Macaroni Salad, sweet potato tots, fresh cut fries, and onions rings, along with ice cream frappes and adult frappes, Paul’s grown-up, alcohol-fortified version of the ice cream beverage.
Like its U.S. counterpart, Wahlburgers Canada will showcase a sports bar, seated dining, and quick-service restaurant all under one roof, offering a family-friendly dining experience. The restaurant is slated for an early 2014 opening date.
Wahlburgers will celebrate the announcement of its first Canadian location on Monday, September 9, with a “green carpet” event at the SoHo Metropolitan Hotel. Chef Paul Wahlberg and brother Mark will attend the event, along with family, friends, and VIP guests.
