The first Wahlburger restaurant will open on Auckland’s waterfront later this year.

The Mustaca family, owners of Australia’s largest independent cinema chain, United Cinemas, announced on Sunday the first New Zealand restaurant will be opening in late 2022.

New Zealand’s first Wahlburgers family restaurant will have a capacity of 240 guests and will be located at the former Euro Restaurant and Coley & Punch venue at Princes Wharf in the Auckland CBD.

Chief executive of United Cinemas New Zealand Sam Mustaca said he had chosen that location as it was “iconic”.

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“It’s iconic in Auckland, right on the waterfront, and a great view of the Auckland Harbour Bridge.”

He said he 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.

“We plan to expand in other NZ locations including the current United Cinema site at Bayfair Shopping Centre at Tauranga.

“With really great food, beers and a fun atmosphere, we think it’s going to be a big hit.”

The menu would be the same as America’s but would have some influence from New Zealand produce.

The restaurant was expected to create 75 jobs in Auckland this year, and 350 across the country.

Wahlberg signed a deal, reported to be worth A$50 million (NZ$53.5 million) to open 20 Wahlburgers restaurants across Australia and New Zealand over the next five years.

He said he was excited to work with the Mustaca family to bring Walhburgers to New Zealand.

“I love all the things we have in common, especially family, film, and music. I’m really looking forward to opening the first Wahlburgers in New Zealand and I hope to visit soon.”

It is pegged Walhberg will attend the Auckland restaurant opening along with his brothers Donnie and Paul Walhberg.

Founded in Boston, Massachusetts, in 2011, Wahlburgers has 87 restaurants in the United States, as well as two in Canada, one on a US Air Force base in Germany and one in Australia.