Randy Sharpe explains why growth is all about finding the right partners — and he sets the record straight on the recent parting of ways with Hy-Vee
Few restaurant chains score an opportunity to be the subject of a reality television show, much less one that runs for 10 seasons on a major cable network like A&E.
Of course, few restaurant chains are founded by a celebrity with the caliber of Mark Wahlberg. The famed actor, who counts popular movies like “The Departed,” “Boogie Nights,” and “Ted” among his dozens of acting credits, started Wahlburgers with his family 14 years ago, and the concept starred in a show of the same name from 2014 through 2019.
Now Wahlburgers has roughly 30 units around the U.S. alongside a handful of international locations, with plans to continue growing globally with a flexible format that includes both limited-service and full-service models.
CEO Randy Sharpe joined the latest episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches to explain why Wahlburgers is fueling growth by finding the right partner in the right place at the right time, and to set the record straight on the recent news that Wahlburgers and the supermarket chain Hy-Vee, which had previously been an operator for the chain, were parting ways.
In this conversation, you’ll learn more about why:
Restaurant brands don’t need to adhere to one service experience
One key to restaurant success is learning from your mistakes
The best high-profile or celebrity business partner is one who is very involved
Growth is only good when it’s the right growth
Some business deals aren’t built to last — and it’s OK to move on
Contact Sam Oches at [email protected].
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