Wahlburgers, the popular fast-casual restaurant chain founded by actors Mark, Donnie, and Paul Wahlberg, has announced the closure of its original location in Hingham, Massachusetts. This news came via a social media post on September 29, just one day before the restaurant officially shut its doors for the last time on September 30, 2026. The closure is reportedly a result of the restaurant’s lease expiring.
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The Hingham outlet has been a staple in the community for nearly 15 years, and its closure has left many fans and employees expressing their disappointment. In their Facebook message, Wahlburgers acknowledged the sentimental value of the Hingham site, stating, “As the original Wahlburgers location, Hingham will always hold a special place in our story.” They added that efforts are underway to find a new location in the Boston area.
Users on social media reacted in dismay to the abrupt announcement. Many shared their memories and experiences over the years, with one devotee commenting on how they frequently travelled from the South Coast to enjoy meals at the Hingham restaurant. “It’s so sad! The hardest part was narrowing down what to order each time,” they lamented. Another person shared their appreciation for Paul Wahlberg, highlighting his humility and the memories created during visits.
Feedback from former employees also surfaced, with one individual reminiscing about their time with the company, acknowledging how the Hingham store significantly shaped their career. “It’s hard to put into words what it feels like to see the original Hingham Wahlburgers close,” they wrote. “I’m so glad I got to be part of the Hingham store’s story.”
Criticism arose regarding the short notice of the closure, with several customers pointing out the lack of communication beforehand. “ONE DAY NOTICE????” one user questioned, while another wished they had been informed sooner. The closure of the Hingham restaurant follows the earlier shutdown of a Wahlburgers location in St. Charles, Illinois, which also closed down without significant prior warning.
In June 2026, the St. Charles location, known for featuring the dining table from the television show “Blue Bloods,” announced it would close permanently that same day when its lease expired. Donnie Wahlberg expressed sorrow over that closure on Instagram, reflecting on the challenges faced by the establishment since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent hurdles it encountered.
In his message, Wahlberg thanked customers and staff for their support, saying, “I’m so grateful to every person who entered those doors. To every person I got to take a selfie with. To every employee. To every vendor. To you all! I cannot thank you enough.”
Both closures indicate a challenging period for the Wahlburgers chain amid shifting market dynamics and lease complications. Despite the setbacks, the company seems determined to continue its legacy and is optimistic about its plans to reopen in a new Boston location.
The Wahlburgers brand has built a loyal following, with fans celebrating the food and the family atmosphere it provides. Although the original Hingham site has closed, the anticipation for a new location in the Boston area has left many hopeful for the brand’s return to its roots. As the culinary landscape in Massachusetts evolves, it remains to be seen how the Wahlberg brothers will adapt and where their next venture will take them.
In the meantime, the memories created at Hingham will undoubtedly linger for both employees and patrons alike. As the Wahlburgers brand continues to respond to customer needs and market changes, fans of the restaurant chain hold out hope for its revival in the near future.