Hy-Vee opts to return to Market Grille restaurant ending Wahlburger connection

By Bruce Karnick
Posted 1/31/25

The Hy-Vee in Cottage Grove is gearing up for an exciting change. Beginning on February 17, the in-store restaurant will transition from its current Wahlburgers setup back to the beloved Market …

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Hy-Vee opts to return to Market Grille restaurant ending Wahlburger connection

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The Hy-Vee in Cottage Grove is gearing up for an exciting change. Beginning on February 17, the in-store restaurant will transition from its current Wahlburgers setup back to the beloved Market Grille concept. With this change comes a refreshed menu, highlighting hearty breakfast options and a new selection of burgers designed to cater to families, breakfast groups, and burger lovers alike.

The change is part of a larger move by Hy-Vee, Inc. to reintroduce the Market Grille concept across its 221 locations in the Midwest. Following a partnership with the Wahlberg family’s Wahlburgers brand starting in 2017, Hy-Vee will phase out the celebrity-owned burger chain at all locations, including the Cottage Grove store. While the choice to bring back Market Grille has been made with customer feedback in mind, it marks a return to a more traditional, family-friendly dining experience.

“We’re incredibly excited about this shift,” says Jeremie Storm, Assistant Store Manager at the Cottage Grove Hy-Vee. “Not only are we bringing back some fan favorites, but we’re also offering bigger, better burgers and a breakfast menu that customers are sure to love.”

As of February 4, all Hy-Vee restaurants will roll out a revamped breakfast menu, featuring a variety of classic morning options, from crispy hash browns (a highly anticipated return) to omelets, biscuits & gravy, pancakes, French toast, and breakfast burritos. Weekdays will see breakfast served from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m., while weekends will feature a special brunch buffet and breakfast service until 2 p.m.

But it’s the burgers that will steal the spotlight. Hy-Vee is swapping its former Wahlburgers 5-ounce patty for an 8-ounce patty made from higher-quality beef. Alongside the juicy burgers, the Market Grille will offer returning items such as BLT and club sandwiches, pork tenderloin sandwiches, wings, and wontons, all at an affordable price point.

A highlight of the updated menu will be the return of the popular Jalapeno Burger, a personal favorite of Storm’s. “The new 8-ounce patties are a real game-changer,” Storm says. “It’s a big, juicy burger. We’re also switching back to a more traditional breakfast hash brown that’s crispy and cooked in real clarified butter, which is something I’m really excited about.”

Customers can expect a smooth transition as the store switches from its Wahlburgers branding to the Market Grille. Starting January 29, the Wahlburgers décor will begin to be removed, with a new Market Grille look taking shape in the coming months. “We’re working hard to make sure the transition is as seamless as possible,” says Storm. “You’ll still be able to enjoy your meal throughout the changeover, and we’re doing everything we can to make sure the experience is as great as ever.”

As for prices, the new menu will keep prices comparable to the previous Wahlburgers setup. The larger burgers will come with a slightly higher price tag, but Storm assures customers that the increased value will be worth it.

While the new Market Grille concept rolls out, there won’t be any layoffs; the same friendly staff will remain on hand, and additional training will help them master the new menu. Hy-Vee also expects to hire more employees as the revamped restaurant concept takes shape.

For those looking to get their last taste of Wahlburgers, Storm encourages customers to visit before February 16, when the current menu will be phased out. “We’re already seeing a lot of excitement from our regulars, and we can’t wait for everyone to see the changes we’ve made.”

The transformation at the Cottage Grove Hy-Vee is just one part of a wider regional rebranding, but it promises to offer a fresh, family-friendly dining experience for locals. Whether you’re craving a hearty breakfast, a mouthwatering burger, or a classic sandwich, the new Market Grille has something for everyone.

For more information, visit the Cottage Grove Hy-Vee or check out their website for updated menus and hours.