Wahlburgers to exit Hy-Vee stores

Catch up quick: Wahlburgers is owned by Paul Wahlberg and his brothers, actors Donnie and Mark.

• The grocery and restaurant chains' collaboration began about a decade ago.
• By 2020, Hy-Vee announced it was converting all its Market Grille restaurants into Wahlburgers.

State of play: Hy-Vee announced in 2023 that it would only open future Wahlburgers from within its grocery stores.

• The company planned to open 20 in its stores that year, making it the burger chain's largest franchisee, a spokesperson told Axios at the time.

Yes, but: The Wahlburgers inside the downtown DSM Hy-Vee closed last year.

• At least 20 other locations inside Iowa Hy-Vee stores remained until this week's announcement, including Ankeny, Urbandale and Waukee.

What they're saying: Customers generally wanted a different selection, Hy-Vee spokesperson Tina Potthoff tells Axios.

The intrigue: Wahlburgers will take over the Hy-Vee-operated full-service location at the Mall of America, per Restaurant Business.

• Details about the changes to the franchise agreement are still being worked out, Potthoff says.

What's next: All 221 Market Grille locations nationally will launch new menus in the coming weeks, which includes those being converted, Potthoff says.