Wahlburgers brings food, family and fun to Newton Hy-Vee

Wahlburgers at Hy-Vee, the burger chain founded by Chef Paul Wahlberg and brothers Donnie and Mark Wahlberg, officially opened its doors at 11 a.m. March 29 in Newton.

The fast-casual burger spot began its first lunch service after a small ribbon and cake cutting inside the location which formerly housed the Hy-Vee Market Grille Express.

While the name and offerings may have changed, the interior of the restaurant has mostly remained the same. Newton Hy-Vee’s Store Director Kevin Barry emphasized the restaurant isn’t losing anything, but gaining a whole new menu of options for customers.

Some of the new items include some bar food favorites like cheese curds, jalapeño bacon wontons and chili cheese fries. The location also offers a wide selection of Wahlburgers signature burgers. Some of the more interesting items on that menu include the Thanksgiving turkey burger, PBJ burger and the O.F.D. (originally from ‘dorchestah’).

While this location does not offer the entire classic Wahlburgers’ full menu, almost all of the signature and popular menu options, from “Wahlbowls” to cupcake shakes, are available.

But fans of the old Market Grille Express should not despair, while the signage may have changed the location will still be keeping several tried and true menu items, like the classic Hy-Vee breakfast.

The restaurant will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week and will still be open for patrons getting food from the store’s Chinese and Italian express options.

“We still have the same food we’ve always been known for but now we’re just layering in brand new offerings,” Barry said.

The restaurant will keep the same hours as the former Market Grille Express, the restaurant will be open seven days a week. offering breakfast from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., and lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

For many, including Hy-Vee staff, this change has been a long time coming. Hy-Vee headquarters officially announced its plans to convert all Hy-Vee Market Grille locations into Wahlburgers in a press release more than two years ago, in early March 2020. As of March 2022, Hy-Vee and Wahlburgers have more than 50 combined locations.

“We were originally set to open in January, but COVID cause a couple of delays,” Barry said.

As an extension of its grand opening celebrations, Wahlburgers will be hosting several events in the coming months.

• On April 3 the restaurant will celebrate World Party Day by offering an all-day happy hour and $10 burgers.

• From noon to 2 p.m, May 7 the restaurant will be hosting a “Mommy and Me” Lunch.

• Along with the rest of Newton Hy-Vee, from 5 to 7 p.m. will be hosting a Kid’s Day, which will include several outdoor activities including a bounce house.