Wahlburgers announced on Monday that CEO Rick Vanzura would step down at the end of the week. As the company searches for his successor, Patrick Renna, the company’s CFO, has been named interim CEO. The Boston-based burger chain was started by executive chef Paul Wahlberg and his brothers, the actors Mark and Donnie Wahlberg.
“On behalf of Mark, Paul and our entire family, we are grateful for Rick’s years of tireless dedication to this company and being a key part of our brand growth and franchise development,” Donnie Wahlberg said in a news release. “We understand and support his decision to step down and appreciate all of the years he worked with us and wish him and his family the very best.”
Vanzura has accepted a position as CEO with another restaurant chain, the news release said, but when asked, Vanzura said the name of the chain was still under wraps. Vanzura published a heartfelt goodbye and outlined some of the highlights of his time at Wahlburgers on LinkedIn, which includes launching the restaurant's beef in retail and pitching the A&E reality show named after the chain.
“It has been an extraordinary gift to be able to build this phenomenal business with the Wahlbergs the last six and a half years,” Vanzura said in the news release. “Mark, Donnie and Paul have been more than I could ever ask for in terms of the commitment and heart they’ve put into Wahlburgers. I’d also like to thank our staff, franchisees, vendors and our incredible group of managers and crew that bring this awesome brand to life every day in our restaurants. I will always be available to help them any way I can, and I know the business is in very good hands with Patrick.”
Wahlburgers has 26 locations throughout North America.
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