Wahlberg Brothers to Join the Exchange Restaurant Family

Actor Mark Wahlberg visits with troops at Fort Benning in May. Photo courtesy of A&E.

Wahlburgers—the fast-casual restaurant founded by executive chef Paul Wahlberg and brothers Mark and Donnie Wahlberg—will open its first location on a military installation in the spring of 2020 at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., through an agreement with the Exchange.

The announcement was made during the season finale of the “Wahlburgers” reality series on the A&E network.

“The Wahlberg family is incredibly proud of this partnership,” Mark Wahlberg said. “We look forward to bringing the Wahlburgers experience to military families at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.”

Chicken to vegetarian options

Wahlburgers will serve Soldiers, Airmen and military families at the Lewis Exchange food court, which is slated to be renovated this fall. The restaurant is known for fresh burgers, house-made condiments, chicken, fish and vegetarian options.

“The Exchange delivers brands that resonate with the military community,” said President and Chief Merchandising Officer Ana Middleton, who was at the lease signing. “Wahlburgers is part of the Exchange’s commitment to bring the best brands to the best customers in the world—Soldiers, Airmen and their families.

“The Wahlbergs are very dedicated to the military and live up to the Exchange value ‘Family Serving Family.’ We welcome them to the Exchange family.”

In addition to Middleton, Mike Deerhake, vice president for food, and Rena Arnold, the Exchange’s leasing manager, were at the signing.

“The Wahlbergs are very dedicated to the military and live up
to the Exchange value ‘Family Serving Family.’”

-President and Chief Merchandising Officer Ana Middleton

Previous involvement with Exchange, military

This isn’t the first time Mark Wahlberg has been involved with the Exchange. In July 2017, he videotaped a shout-out for the Veterans online shopping benefit. The video, which he made with “Lone Survivor” Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell, was the most successful social media post in the Exchange’s history, going viral and reaching 4.5 million people on Facebook.

This past May, while shooting a movie in Atlanta, Wahlberg went to Fort Benning’s Exchange to meet with Soldiers and associates.