Wahlburgers in Taylor closing, new restaurant to take its place

Less than two years after opening in Taylor, a popular burger chain is leaving the city.

The Wahlburgers restaurant, located at 21200 Penn St., will close Jan. 22, confirmed Midwest franchise owner Nino Cutraro. The burger joint will then reopen in Woodhaven this summer, with the new building located at 2260 Allen Road.

The reason for the relocation is so that Cutraro can open a new chain in its place called City Fire American Oven and Bar. The Florida-based business is an upscale-casual restaurant that offers items such as "stoneflat" pizzas, chicken, steak and fish. City Fire has two locations in The Villages retirement community.

[Want to know when businesses open or close near you? Sign up for our newsletter here!]

Cutraro said he believes people in Taylor "expect more than just a burger."

"There will be a lot more choices and it will be inexpensive," he said. "Nothing is over $20."

Another reason for the change is that Wahlburgers location was not as successful as Cutraro had hoped. The franchise owner declined to give any numbers, but he said construction on Eureka Road and I-75 decreased customer traffic.

While the new Wahlburgers restaurant is being built, the 30 employees of the Taylor location will be moved to either the Detroit or Royal Oak locations. Staff also have the option to work at City Fire when it opens in the spring.

"We're not laying anyone off," Cutraro said. "They're going to have a job."

Wahlburgers opened its Taylor location in April 2018, with actor Mark Wahlberg making an appearance for a private reception.

“The location turned out to be a great opportunity for us," he said of Taylor. "It represents what we are and who we stand for as families. We are excited to be here."

More: Newest Wahlburgers opens with visit from famous brothers

More: New Wahlburgers restaurant opens in Taylor