CINCINNATI – There were definitely good vibrations when actor and former rapper Mark Wahlberg visited the Queen City on Monday afternoon.
The star was in town to visit Wahlburgers, the burger franchise he started with his brothers Paul and Donnie Wahlberg in 2011. The Downtown location, at 199 E. Sixth St., held its soft opening on Jan. 25.
Word of Wahlberg's visit drew a crowd of fans hoping to catch a glimpse of the star. A film crew for the A&E television series "Wahlburgers," which chronicles the Wahlberg brothers' business operation, also was on hand.
People might be going a little crazy trying to get @markwahlberg to say hi and sigh stuff @Wahlburgers. @WCPO pic.twitter.com/8sB1mILuu6
— Brian Mains (@B_Mains_Cincy) February 26, 2018
Wahlberg pulled up in front of the restaurant in a black SUV shortly before 4:30 p.m. Monday. He greeted fans, signed memorabilia and took questions from media before going inside Wahlburgers for a private event with Cincinnati franchise owner Nino Cutraro.
Check out the WCPO @Snapchat story of @markwahlberg’s visit here or view it by following us in the app at wcposnaps. pic.twitter.com/cJCS92GDho
— Brian Mains (@B_Mains_Cincy) February 26, 2018
When asked why he thought Cincinnati was a good fit for the franchise, Wahlberg said he felt the Midwest was a great place for the burger and bar concept. The eatery serves a variety of burgers, salads, macaroni and cheese and specialty sandwiches. It also has a full-service bar with 20 beers on tap.
.@markwahlberg discussed the downtown @Wahlburgers and his A & E show. @wcpo pic.twitter.com/RbW3gYoz6A
— Brian Mains (@B_Mains_Cincy) February 26, 2018
Wahlburgers employees fed hungry fans who had waited to see Wahlberg after the star went inside.
Wahlberg visited Cincinnati in August 2017 to announce the new location. There are currently Wahlburgers in 14 states and in Canada.
