Getahn Ward

The Tennessean

Chef Paul Wahlberg and his brothers Mark Wahlberg and Donnie Wahlberg own the Wahlburgers concept and Massachusetts locations.

Tennessee's first Wahlburgers is expected to open in Memphis this fall.

Currently, there are 17 Wahlburgers locations across nine states plus two in Canada.

A founding member of '90s boy band *NSync and an existing Wahlburgers franchisee are scouting Nashville area space for their first location here under that burger concept.

Singer Chris Kirkpatrick will join Greg Pranzo, franchise owner of Wahlburgers’ Carolinas restaurants, in ownership of the Nashville location.

Chef Paul Wahlberg and his brothers, actor Mark Wahlberg and singer-songwriter Donnie Wahlberg of late '80s pop group New Kids on the Block, own the Wahlburgers concept and the corporate restaurants in Massachusetts. "They are currently searching for spaces, but have not signed any leases yet," said Mindy Valone, spokeswoman for Hingham, Mass.-based Wahlburgers.

Valone's comments come as Wahlburgers is preparing this fall to open a 6,900 square foot location on Memphis' Beale Street, which will be the chain's first in Tennessee. Currently, there are 17 Wahlburgers locations across nine states plus two in Canada.

"The franchisee is exploring neighborhoods all over Nashville," Valone said, adding that there's no specific geographic concentration for the local search for space.

Some Wahlburgers such as the one in Memphis have two levels, while the others are one level. Single-level locations can range in size from 1,400 to 1,600 square feet.

Meanwhile, Wednesday's episode of the A&E network's Wahlburgers reality TV show featured Donnie Wahlberg talking with country duo Big & Rich in Nashville.

After Big & Rich tweeted, "We're thinking that @NKOTB and Nashville are a great mix!;" Donnie Wahlberg responded, "You guys are awesome. Thanks for joining us and welcoming us to #Nashville!"

Reach Getahn Ward at gward@tennessean.com or 615-726-5968 and on Twitter @getahn.