Hy-Vee to open first Wahlburgers at Mall of America

West Des Moines-based Hy-Vee Inc. will open its first Wahlburgers restaurant at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minn., this summer.

Hy-Vee has an agreement with the Boston-based burger chain to build, own and operate 26 Wahlburgers restaurants. It also serves Wahlburgers' hamburgers at its full-service Market Grille restaurants.

The restaurant is owned by actor and producer Mark Wahlberg and his brothers actor Donnie Wahlberg and Paul Wahlberg, a chef.

When Hy-Vee announced the relationship with the burger chain in late August, the first restaurant was expected to open in mid-2018 at Jordan Creek Town Center in West Des Moines next to Bar Louie. That deal hasn’t been finalized.

More: Hy-Vee partners with Wahlberg on string of burger shops

Hy-Vee also has a deal with Mark Wahlberg, a fitness enthusiast, to sell his Performance Inspired nutrition products, including protein powders and bars in its stores. Wahlberg has visited Des Moines several times to work out the business deals.

The 5,500-square-foot Wahlburgers will be located on Level 2 at the north end of Mall of America. The menu will include its signature burgers, side dishes, house made condiments, fish, chicken and vegetarian options. There will be a full bar.

Wahlburgers operates 17 restaurants in nine states and Canada.