Hollywood heavyweight Mark Wahlberg's restaurant Wahlburgers has opened its first store in the South Island, after setting up shop in the tourist hub of Queenstown.
The store is the second Wahlburgers restaurant to open in the country, after first opening in Auckland in March this year. It's also the 112th store in the franchise to open globally.
The company has also signalled ambitious expansion plans with new kiosk store formats and a site in every major city throughout New Zealand.
The actor and entrepreneur founded Wahlburgers in 2011 with his brothers New Kids on The Block star Donnie, and chef behind the menu Paul Wahlberg.
The Queenstown launch is set to provide a significant boost to the country’s international visibility, according to a spokesperson.
The opening of the restaurant will also benefit South Island food producers with growers from Otago and Canterbury selected to provide tonnes of fresh produce to the chain.
Wahlburgers co-founder Mark Wahlberg says visiting Queenstown has always been on his wish list.
He says they will also introduce a breakfast menu – including a breakfast burger and a bacon and egg roll – at their newest branch in the coming weeks.
"The universal feedback I have heard from friends that have visited New Zealand is that Queenstown is a must-see destination," he said.
"The opening of our store in the adventure capital of the world is something we are immensely proud of, and I am looking forward to seeing it in person.
"Kiwi customers can expect a dining experience which is all about food, family and fun where we share my family’s delicious recipes brought to life by my brother Chef Paul."
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