Philadelphia

Mark Wahlberg in Philly: Rumors: Wahlburgers Found a Home; Marky Mark Walks the Red Carpet at World Meeting of Families Film Festival. Confirmed: He Still Works Out

September 23, 2015 by HughE Dillon

I’ve been told that Wahlburgers, the burger chain owned by Chef Paul Wahlberg in partnership with celebrity brothers Mark and Donnie has found a home in Philly, but not in the Rittenhouse Square area like it had been written last year, but in the simmering Northern Liberties The Piazza. (location of my advertiser Sculpt Fitness Studio – Free Parking)

The new location, was the now closed, but very popular Darlings, which shuttered it’s doors earlier this year in March. 
This is the interior of Darlings
and the interior of  a typical Wahlburgers. 
Mark Wahlberg is in town this week to prepare for Saturday’s  Festival of Families, held on Saturday, September 26, 2015, 
which is in conjunction of the World Meeting of Families which kicked off in Philadelphia yesterday. Check out my photos in Philly Mag’s A&E section. 
The Art Museum last night.

Last night I got a tip that actor Mark Wahlberg was seen driving up Walnut Street in a White Jeep near 18th; was he trying out the Pope Mobile, as it’s rumored the Pope’s mode of vehicle for the parade is a white jeep. I was wondering why he was in town so early for a Saturday event. I hear today he went to check out the property for Wahlburgers. The move from Rittenhouse Square to Northern Liberties was prompted by the over saturation of burger places near the square, like Good Burgers, Five Burgers, 500F burgers and Shake Shack.
Dave Magrogan, Mark Wahlberg, DJ Chris Booker at ‘Toys for Tots’ party at Kildare’s pub in Old City. (Yeah that long ago, 2007)
Whalberg is very familiar with Philadelphia, having filmed 3 movies in the area, Invincible , The Happening, and 10th and Wolf 

and he screened his movie Broken City at the Prince Theater

Yes that was working out this morning.
 This morning I tweeted there was a Mark Wahlberg sighting at the Sporting Club over at the Bellevue.  Gov Rendell was working out nearby, no word on if either gave fitness tips to each other.
 
Will Marky Mark Walk The Red Carpet Friday night: Vince Papale is hosting a screening of Invincible (2006) PG, 105 minutes as part of the World Meeting of Families Film Festival. Confirmed for the screening Vince Papale, and Tony Luke Jr. Not confirmed but rumored to be there Mark Wahlberg, and now that we know he’s in town, why not.
Based on the story of Vince Papale, a 30-year-old bartender from South Philadelphia, who overcame long odds to play for the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles in 1976. Starring Mark Wahlberg, Greg Kinnear & Elizabeth Banks. 
   Sharon Pinkenson,     Executive Director, Greater Philadelphia Film Office,   Gerard P. Cuddy,  President & CEO, Beneficial Bank,  Donna Crilley Farrell,   Executive Director, World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015  and Mayor Michael A. Nutter   at the ribbon cutting of the film festival yesterday afternoon.
One of the first movies to open at the World Meeting of Families Film Festival – Mighty Macs. Tim Chambers, writer director of Mighty Macs (3rd from right) and John Chambers, producer with
Cathy Rush (r) and other basketball players from the The Mighty Macs movie about the 1971 Immaculata College women’s basketball team that went on to win a championship.
There’s an impressive list of films at the festival, and celebrities walking the red carpet including M. Night Shyamalan on Thursday Night. 
  • Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at 7:30 p.m.
    • “Urban Trinity” Red Carpet and Premiere (78 minutes, filmed in Philadelphia)
Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Perelman Theater 300 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Opening remarks from:
  • Sharon Pinkenson, Executive Director, Greater Philadelphia Film Office
  • Donna Crilley Farrell, Executive Director, World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015
Remarks following the premiere:
  • Sam Katz,
Executive Producer, “Urban Trinity”
This
historical documentary traces the narrative of the many immigrant
groups who came to Philadelphia and whose common bond was their
Catholicism. The story arcs from the earliest times through the more
modern stresses of a changing Philadelphia.
  • Thursday, September 24, 2015 at 7:30 p.m.
    • “Wide Awake” Red Carpet and Screening (88 minutes, filmed in Philadelphia)
Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Perelman Theater, 300 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Opening remarks from:
  • Sharon Pinkenson,
Executive Director, Greater Philadelphia Film Office
  • M. Night Shyamalan,
Writer and Director, “Wide Awake”
Written
and directed by M. Night Shyamalan, and starring Joseph Cross, Rosie
O’Donnell and Dana Delany, this film tells the story of a 10-year-old boy who goes on a search for God after his grandfather dies.
  • Friday, September 25, 2015 at 5:30 p.m.
    • “The Sound of Music” Sing-A-Long-A (230 minutes)
Pennsylvania Convention Center Terrace Ballroom, 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107)
Hosted by:
  • Diane Heery,
Casting Director, Heery Casting
  • Patrick McDade,
Actor, Producing Partner, Sunshine Productions
This special screening is a family-friendly addition to the Film Festival, hosted by two of Philadelphia’s veteran actors and producers.
  • Friday, September 25, 2015 at 6:30 p.m.
    • “Invincible” Red Carpet and Screening (105 minutes, filmed in Philadelphia)
Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts Perelman Theater, 300 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Opening remarks from:
  • Sharon Pinkenson,
Executive Director, Greater Philadelphia Film Office
  • Gerard P. Cuddy,
President & CEO, Beneficial Bank
  • Vince Papale
Former Philadelphia Eagle

Starring Mark Wahlberg, Greg Kinnear and Elizabeth Banks, this film is based on the story of Vince Papale, a 30-year-old bartender from South Philadelphia who overcame long odds to play for the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles in 1976. Vince Papale, Tony Luke, Jr. and Walter Thurmond will be attending the Red Carpet, Screening and are available for interviews.

    

All photos containing people in them were taken by me except the one autographed.