Wahlburgers in St. Charles closes abruptly Monday

A month shy of its sixth anniversary, Wahlburgers in St. Charles announced on social media Monday that it would close the location immediately.

“It is with heavy hearts and fond memories that we announce Wahlburgers St. Charles will be permanently closing our doors on June 29, 2026 as our current lease at this location has come to an end,” the Facebook post read.

“It was sure a sad day,” said Ed French of St. Charles, one of the three owners of the franchise, Monday afternoon.

Increased food and fuel costs had hurt profitability, according to French.

French said they had been trying for a year to get a rent reduction, but the landlord refused. On Friday, the two sides worked out a deal to break the lease, he said.

“There’s no bad blood,” French said.

French said the plan is to open in another spot in St. Charles, but he does not yet know where or when.

He said the new location might have a smaller interior and be more outdoors-focused, with a patio and a “Blockheads” stage where up-and-coming musical acts could perform. “Blockheads” is the nickname for fans of the musical group New Kids on the Block, of which franchise owner Donnie Wahlberg is a member.

Wahlberg lives in St. Charles.

Wahlberg, who is also an actor with the long-running television show “Blue Bloods” to his credit, owns the Boston-based Wahlburgers chain with his brothers, film star Mark and chef Paul. Wahlberg is one of the three owners of the St. Charles franchise.

Wahlburgers closed 79 kiosk locations in Hy-Vee grocery stores last year. It currently has about 30 restaurant locations worldwide.