WEST DES MOINES – Several thousand starstruck fans packed into a mall parking lot Saturday night to see celebrity trio Mark, Donnie and Paul Wahlberg.
Local 5 got exclusive interviews with the Wahlbergs
The brothers were in town to celebrate their newest burger joint at Jordan Creek Town Center. So why open in Iowa? Because they think the state embodies some of their core values, food and family.
“This is our 28th store together, we want to be in America with families like our families,” Mark said to the massive crowd.
Hy-Vee has a franchise agreement with Wahlburgers and hosted the outdoor party. Hy-Vee CEO and President, Randy Edeker couldn’t say enough good things about the brothers.
“They care about the people they are around, and that’s why we went into business with them,” said Edeker.
Throughout the evening, the Wahlberg’s took their time greeting fans, singing autographs and taking photos.
“Every time I’ve been with Donnie, Mark and Paul they will spend all the time in the world with fans,” said Edeker. “Until we drag them out.”
And that feeling of love and appreciation seems to be mutual between fans and the brothers.
“What could look better than all these people,” said Donnie. “It’s crazy, it’s humbling and it’s awesome. Everyone is so beautiful. I’m just kind of speechless honestly.
“I’ll tell ya, everyone is amazing and Hy-Vee has been so spectacular and the whole area and if everyday was like this with the weather, it is unreal,” said Paul.
And Mark also liked the weather!
“Ive been to Iowa quite a few times, but this is the first time that it’s been a warm kind of summer night and it’s absolutely beautiful,” said Mark.
The brothers joked about liking Iowa so much, they would consider moving!
“But I tell you we love it here, it’s fantastic,” said Paul.
“Mark might not be the only one moving here,” said Donnie. “Or he is going to have to leave room for Paul and I to come spend a lot of time here too because it’s been that kind of awesome of a day.”
Now the Wahlberg brothers don’t do grand opening parties at all their locations. But they say they are so happy they picked West Des Moines for a celebration, because Iowa fans brought the excitement to the next level.
