Former Panera executive to lead national expansion of the fledgling burger concept.

Rick Vanzura is the new chief executive officer for Wahlburgers, a burger concept owned by the Wahlberg brothers Mark, Donnie and Paul, who first made a name for themselves in the entertainment industry.

Wahlburgers opened its first location last October in Hingham, Mass., and the plan is for Vanzura to lead its expansion nationally. The Wahlberg brothers opened their first restaurant concept, Alma Nove, a fine dining waterfront restaurant named for their mother and nine siblings, in October 2010.

Vanzura is a former vice president and co-chief operating officer for Panera, LLC.

Wahlburgers menu features fresh ground beef burgers, turkey burgers, salmon burgers, all beef hot dogs, fries, onion rings, tater tots, ice cream frappes and house made desserts. The restaurant also offers full liquor service.