Gator bites, bison burgers, jambalaya, boar brats and more: things are getting wild in Memphis. That’s because Mark, Donnie, and Paul Wahlberg have relaunched Wahlburgers Wild at Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid, while taking over dining operations across the destination.
At the Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid you can go from fine dining in The Lookout, overlooking Memphis and the Mississippi River with a 10,000 gallon catfish aquarium, all the way back to the main floor with Wahburgers Wild, the only one in the world.
Wrap it up with a stay at Big Cypress Lodge overlooking the shop from your indoor screened porch off your room. It’s an experience that is definitely bringing the outdoors inside.
How Johnny Morris and Mark Wahlberg Built the Partnership
Bass Pro Shop founder Johnny Morris and Hollywood actor Mark Wahlberg met at Buffalo Ridge Golf Course in the Ozarks near Branson, MO at the Big Cedar Resort.
That seems to be the way Mr. Morris does business, relationally and personally: “First off, I love this family. The genuine character and the passion of family working together. Mark is the nicest, down to earth guy. That impressed me and their passion for quality.”
Mark worked for about a year pitching Morris the idea of Wahlburgers Wild. The launch had Chef Paul Wahlberg and head chef of the resort Chef Andres Miramontes showing off culinary wonders. They are now over all of the dining outlets for the Memphis Bass Pro including the food service for Big Cypress Lodge, The Lookout and The Terrace.
What’s on the New Wahlburgers Wild Menu?
We started with sizzling Bang-Bang Shrimp in a sweet-heat sauce, plated around purple orchids, followed by short ribs over fluffy mashed potatoes.
The Southern flavors carried a sense of nostalgia, pulling the conversation toward memories of family and food. The menu leans heavily into wild game dining, with bison and other game helping shape the concept.
“Trying to theme things a little bit on nature, the wild food, and the menu with bison, and other things, we're really excited,” explained Morris. “And for Mark and Paul to make the effort to fly out all the way out here just to celebrate the next level and where we are headed says a lot.
“There are few people along the way through life that you just really admire. I think a lot about Mark and not just the celebrity status, but his genuineness as a person.”
Soon another platter arrived, this time loaded with Grilled Cheese Short Rib sandwiches.
We also sampled grilled lamb chops finished with a balsamic glaze, the sweetness cutting through the richness of the meat.
Mark and Chef Paul Wahlberg also spent much of the evening with staff and members of the Memphis community.
Mark said: “It is such a blessing to share our family experience with everyone here in Memphis and with all the people who travel from all over the world to come here to the Pyramid. We are so blessed and fortunate. Thank you all and we appreciate it.”
The Story Behind Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid
There was a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Memphis Chamber of Commerce, the CEO of the Liberty Bowl, Mr. Steve Ehrhart and Dale Hall of Ducks Unlimited. Our close friend Mr. Bill Dance joined the ribbon cutting as well celebrating this event.
The story was told to the group about how Mr. Dance had a pivotal role in Morris acquiring the Pyramid back in 2005 when the two were fishing together on the Mississippi right in front of the venue.
The challenge was if you catch a catfish over 30 pounds you have to take it as a sign to bring the Pyramid into the Bass Pro family. They proceeded to catch a 36 pound catfish right there!
The rest you can say, is history. That catfish is proudly displayed in the entry way of the building.
Southern Flavors Take Over the Memphis Pyramid
The evening wrapped up with Memphis live music on The Terrace. We were served jambalaya packed with chicken, shrimp and andouille. The seasoning immediately sparked comparisons with jambalaya some of those around the table had grown up with in the bayou.
The menu draws on flavors from all four neighbouring states, from duck country to the Creole traditions of Mississippi and Louisiana. It gives the Pyramid’s Southern cuisine a distinct sense of place and authenticity.
That emphasis on game also reflects the broader rise in popularity of wild game restaurants across the U.S.
From The Terrace, sunset gave way to views of the illuminated bridge between Tennessee and Arkansas across the Mississippi River.
The Wahlbergs Expand Their Role at Bass Pro Shops’ Pyramid
The partnership now extends beyond Wahlburgers Wild, with the Wahlbergs taking on dining operations across Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid.
Both Morris and the Wahlberg family are passionate about elevating Memphis, which has seen challenges in tourism since COVID-19.
The resort and retail space has drawn visitors to the area to enjoy fine dining, “glamping” accommodations, history with museum-like nods to the history of the venue, and family-friendly entertainment all within the glass walls of The Pyramid.
Their support of the hunting and fishing community shows through with Chef Paul’s words: “It all connects the community. And again, you know the nature of man, it comes to fighting for your family, hunting for food, and foraging, and all of the different bits and pieces. I respect what people do and the passion that people have.”
As self proclaimed “city kids”, the Wahlbergs grew up around a fishing community. Chef Paul talked about how men and women there say “when you catch a ‘stripa’, you are doing good!”
Chef Paul also spoke about his respect for the outdoor community, the importance of making use of what is harvested and his experience with wild game in the kitchen.
“I love venison,” Chef Paul explained. “I love elk, I love bison, I love all of the different things and to have that kind of opportunity for us to partner up with Bass Pro and open ourselves up to more of that world and bring what we do and the passion we have for the food and service.”
By the end of the evening, the concept felt bigger than a Wahlburgers refresh. Between the wild game menu, Southern flavors, live music and views over the Mississippi, the Wahlbergs are putting their own stamp on this unique Memphis destination.
