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| Donny Wahlburg Takes Selfie W/FDNY Crew |
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| Ribbon Cutting With Donny & Paul |
Coney
Island got a dose of star power last night when visitors got a “sneak peek” of
New York’s first Wahlburgers, courtesy of owners and brothers Mark Wahlberg,
Donnie Wahlberg and Paul Wahlberg.
The
red carpet event was an unlikely sight for Coney Island, which is now
rebuilding after damage caused to the area by Hurricane Sandy. For Donnie, the
cause is personal. “I lost my own home to Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey,” he
said. “I know how important it is to reinvest and to believe in an area that
needs it. And, Coney Island needs it.”
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| Donny, Paul & Mark Wahlburg |
Mark
Wahlberg, who was hand in hand throughout the evening with wife Rhea Durham,
echoed his brother’s sentiment in saying, “I think Coney Island really chose
us. Plus, it’s such an iconic location.”
The
party reflected the brothers’ humble, Boston roots, which is also evident in
Wahlburgers Coney Island, which will open in early July. “Wahlburgers is a
place where people are happy to be,” said Paul. “We’re happy to have you in
there. We give people that feeling of being welcome and being home.”
Guests
enjoyed a sampling of Wahlburgers’ hamburgers, which are made from what Paul
calls a “proprietary blend” and topped with an ingredient the brothers grew up
with: government cheese.
The
event began with a ribbon cutting by Donnie, Paul, Wahlburgers’ New York
partner, John Cestare and City Councilman Mark Treyger. After cutting the
ribbon, Donnie held the giant scissors in the air, and hugged his brother,
Paul. He then gave a speech to fans, sharing his excitement about bringing
Wahlburgers to Coney Island. Later, as Baruch Shemtov from New York’s FOX
affiliate was reporting from the event, he, and his viewers, got a surprise
with the ultimate video bomb when Donnie unexpectedly hopped into the shot.
About being spared from a forecast of heavy rain and hail, Donnie told Shemtov,
“I called my man J.C. and said, ‘listen man, part the clouds.’” He added during
the surprise interview, “I love Brooklyn. I love New York.”
Actors
Abigail Hawke and Len Cariou attended the event in support of Donnie, who is
their “Blue Bloods” co-star. Chicago Bulls shooting guard, Jimmy Butler, joined
the group, as well, happily mingling with fans. Hawke looked striking in a
black Halston Heritage jumpsuit and Calvin Klein pumps.
ABOUT
WAHLBURGERS
Founded
by Executive Chef Paul Wahlberg and celebrity brothers Mark and Donnie
Wahlberg, Wahlburgers debuted in October 2011 in Hingham, Mass. Also the
subject of an A&E reality show, Wahlburgers offers a fun, casual
music-filled atmosphere where guests, like family, share great food, a few
laughs and lots of love. While its interior décor is filled with photos and
memories celebrating the brothers’ life journeys from Dorchester, Mass.
neighborhood kids to rising chef and international superstars, Wahlburgers
makes food the real star. Guests enjoy delicious fresh ground beef burgers,
pure beef hot dogs, crispy fries, onion rings, tater tots, signature salads,
specialty frappes, beer and cocktails - all served with heartfelt hospitality. Dedicated to giving back, Wahlburgers is
active in every community it serves. Open daily for lunch and dinner,
Wahlburgers offers fast casual and table service. For locations and more
information visit www.wahlburgersrestaurant.com.
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