The Milwaukee Post

BUSINESS Wahlburgers announces its first location in Wisconsin 6 • Milwaukee County Post • February 1, 2019 TOWN OF BROOK- FIELD — Tur ns out the Wahlberg family is more than actors and perform- ers — they are also creative in the kitchen. Their restaurant Wahlburgers will open its first location in Wisconsin this summer in The Cor ners of Brookfield. The 6,000-square-foot restaurant will be on the northeast side of the cen- ter and will serve up signa- ture burgers, home-style sides, fish, chicken and vegetarian options, and a full bar including specialty drinks such as adult frappes and floats. Chef Paul Wahlberg cre- ated the franchise along with two of his brothers, actors Mark and Donnie, with the intent to satisfy a variety of taste buds by offering lighter and hearti- er menu offerings served in a casual and music-filled atmosphere. "Families will have a great time, and hopefully share a lot of laughs and love when they enjoy my family's delicious recipes at our new Brookfield Wahlburgers location," said Paul Wahlberg in a statement. Some of the Wahlburgers locations are owned by Hy-Vee, Inc., including the future Town of Brookfield location. "Hy-Vee is excited to open its fourth Wahlburgers location, and to bring a new dining experience to Wisconsin," said Randy Edeker, chair- man of the board, CEO and president of Hy-Vee. "Families will enjoy great food in a fun atmosphere, served with the excellent customer service and hos- pitality that Hy-Vee and Wahlburgers are known for." Wahlburgers operates 29 locations in 19 states and Canada. In 2017, Hy-Vee announced that it plans to build, own and operate 26 Wahlburgers restaurants. Hy-Vee's first three Wahlburgers locations opened in 2018 at Mall of America in Bloomington, Minn.; West Des Moines, Iowa; and Olathe, Kan. "We're thrilled to be chosen as the first Wahlburgers location in Wisconsin. Wahlburgers' food and drink offerings and fun, upbeat environ- ment make it the perfect addition to our tenant mix," said Robert Gould, vice president of U.S. oper- ations for IM Properties, a developer of The Corners. "2019 is shaping up to be an exciting year for The Corners, and restaurants like Wahlburgers will con- tinue to deliver our unique town center vision." WAUKESHA — A Super Bowl Sunday isn't complete without hot food and cold beverages — and Americans will spend an average of $81.30 for that day, according to a new survey from the National Retail Federation. That's a total of $14.8 bil- lion spent as Americans watch the New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Rams battle each other Sunday. "You don't have to be a football fan to celebrate the Super Bowl," NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said in a statement. "Whether it's to see who wins, watch the halftime show and commer- cials or just get together with friends, this is the biggest party since New Year's Eve. Spending is expected to be at one the highest levels we've seen. And retailers are ready whether you need food, team jerseys, decorations or a new TV." Last year's reported amount was $81.17 for each person, so it is virtually unchanged. The highest amount that the NRF report- ed in previous years was $82.19 in 2016. The reason the the total amount spent in 2019 is expected to be lower, accord- ing to the report, is that fewer people plan to watch the game. The NRF reports that 182.5 million this year will watch the game com- pared with 188.5 million last year. According to the NRF, the biggest spenders are those ages 35-44 at an aver- age $123.26, while the lowest are those 65 and older at $40.97. Viewers in the Northeast plan to spend the most, at an average $94.89, followed by the West at $84.01, the South at $79.09 and the Midwest at $69.24. The survey found that 72 percent of adults plan to watch the game, down from 76 percent last year. Among those watching, 79 percent plan to buy food and bever- ages, 10 percent team appar- el and accessories, 7 percent decorations, also 7 percent for new televisions, and 4 percent furniture such as entertainment centers. The survey of 7,384 adults 18 and older was conducted Jan. 2 to Jan. 9, before it was known which teams would play, and has a margin of error of plus or minus 1.2 percentage points. The viewership numbers may differ from other fig- ures such as official TV rat- ings because they include all individuals who say they will watch regardless of how or where. Submitted photo The Wahlberg family, from left to right, Mark, Paul, Donnie and their mom, Alma, at a Wahlburgers restaurant. Wahlberg family restaurant coming to Town of Brookfield Submitted photo One of the signature burgers sold at Wahlburgers, which will open in The Corners of Brookfield this summer. Survey: Americans spend about $81 for Super Bowl parties

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