Australia – Wahlburgers, a burger chain owned by Hollywood actor Mark Wahlberg, has announced that it will be opening stores in Australia and New Zealand, in collaboration with the Mustaca family, who have built United Cinemas, an Australian cinema chain.

The pilot branch will open first at Sydney’s Central Business District, followed by 20 more stand-alone restaurants, as well as in some United Cinema locations in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, and New Zealand. 

“I am excited to be working with the Mustaca family to bring Wahlburgers to Australia. I love all the things we have in common, especially family, film, restaurant experience, and music. I’m really looking forward to our first opening and visiting with my brothers and Wahlburgers co-founders, Chef Paul Wahlberg and Donnie Wahlberg,” the Hollywood actor stated.

He added, “For the last 10 years he’s [Chef Paul Wahlberg] dedicated himself to bringing guests an exceptional experience, no matter where in the world they are visiting Wahlburgers. We could not be more thrilled to take this brand to Australia and are so looking forward to growing this partnership with the Mustaca family.” 

Meanwhile, Sam Mustaca, CEO of United Cinemas said, “We are thrilled to bring Wahlburgers to guests here in Australia and New Zealand. We had been following the concept for years and with its natural ties to the entertainment industry, bringing Wahlburgers into the experience at United Cinemas just seemed like a perfect fit. With really great food, beers and a fun atmosphere, we think it’s going to be a big hit.”

Founded in 2019 from an American reality TV show, Wahlburgers has over 50 chains operating across the United States, Canada, and Germany.

Singapore – Non-profit organization Make-A-Wish Singapore, has collaborated with ACE, a local-based celebrity engagement platform, to rope in Hollywood stars for a holiday campaign, which aims to raise funds to grant wishes of children with terminal illnesses.

ACE’s platform provides customers an opportunity to book their favorite celebrities for a personal video. For the campaign, a set of top-tier international stars such as Kris Jenner and David Foster are up for bidding among customers for  a chance to acquire said stars’ personal messages, where 100% of proceeds go to Make-A-Wish.  

The campaign has partnered a total of 10 international  celebrities on the ACE platform for a limited time, starting December 14. Aside from Jenner and Foster, these include Asia’s top act JJ Lin,  golfing legend Sir Nick Faldo, singer Katherine McPhee, actor Steven Seagal, singer and song-writer Melanie C, or ‘Sporty Spice’ of girl group Spice Girls, footballer Daniel Sturridge, as well as singer-song-writer Babyface, and chef Bobby Chinn.

“This partnership with Make-A-Wish Singapore gives fans and stars an opportunity to connect around an important cause while also creating unforgettable moments for those on the receiving end of the ACE video messages. This is a unique campaign with some of the most recognizable celebrity names, and I can’t think of a better partner than Make-A-Wish Singapore during the holiday season,” said ACE CEO Dene Schonknecht.

Interested participants must fill up an online form and select their preferred celebrity. Winning bidders  will be  notified on December 21.