Stillwell Avenue went to the stars on Tuesday, June 23 as the Wahlberg family celebrated the first of six forthcoming New York Wahlburgers restaurants with a VIP preview party and ribbon cutting at the premiere Coney Island location.
Founded by the three brothers with a menu by Paul, the executive chef, Wahlburgers will serve up gourmet burgers and specialty drinks – such as the signature Wahlbrewski beer – made by the original fast-casual burger restaurant in Boston, making way for a little slice of Beantown in Brooklyn.
To brothers Mark, Paul and Donnie, setting up shop in Coney Island is so much more than flipping a few more burgers – it’s about helping to rebuild post-Superstorm Sandy.
“I actually just learned that Donnie Wahlberg himself was a Sandy victim who sustained damage to his home,” said Coney Island Councilmember Mark Treyger who was also on hand to celebrate the ribbon cutting. “So, he takes this investment with his family very personally in Coney Island because he knows that this area went through a lot because of Sandy, and he wants to see this neighborhood turn around and be better than ever.
“It’s a family business coming into a very family-oriented neighborhood and I’m very appreciative of their investment and belief in Coney Island,” he said.
“I know how important it is to reinvest and to believe in an area that needs it,” said Donnie. “And, Coney Island needs it.”
While still under construction, the Coney Island eatery – located at 2015 Stillwell Avenue – is slated to open for business in July.