BLOOMINGTON, Minn. — The Wahlberg brothers — actors Donnie and Mark, and chef Paul — were on hand at the Mall of America here on Thursday for the grand opening of their newest Wahlburgers restaurant, which is the first to feature Hy-Vee Inc. as its franchisee.

Donnie, Paul and Mark Wahlberg with Hy-Vee CEO Randy Edeker

The chance to see the famous brothers, who appeared with Hy-Vee chairman and CEO Randy Edeker on stage at the Mall of America’s rotunda, drew a big crowd at the grand opening event.

The restaurant officially opened to the public on May 22 inside the Mall of America (Level 2, North). The restaurant is open from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., on Friday and Saturday.

To celebrate the opening of its first Wahlburgers restaurant, Hy-Vee gave its Twin Cities customers the chance to win a VIP experience included a personal “meet and greet” with the Wahlberg brothers, and dinner for two at the restaurant.

Customers were entered for a chance to win the VIP experience when they purchased Wahlburgers At Home beef, Performance Inspired or AQUAhydrate products at any of the eight Twin Cities Hy-Vee locations, and swiped their Hy-Vee Fuel Saver + Perks card. Winners were notified by phone on May 29, and the event was held on May 31.

The restaurant that opened at the Mall of America is the first Wahlburgers to open in Minnesota. Wahlburgers now has 27 locations in 12 states and Canada. Last year Hy-Vee announced that it plans to build, own and operate 26 Wahlburgers restaurants. Plans for another Wahlburgers franchise location, scheduled to open in 2018, are underway in West Des Moines, Iowa.