It was 20 years ago the iconic movie-style Asian takeout boxes became a reality in Edmonton and had everyone talking.
Two decades since hungry Edmontonians lined up on Jasper Ave. for a chance to taste fast casual Asian from different countries.
Wok Box, a Canadian franchise which started in the heart of Edmonton on Jasper Ave., is celebrating 20 years of serving new & diverse flavours in our country– and the first location is still open today!
“Since opening Wok Box, we have aimed to bring amazing dishes from Asian countries that people haven’t even heard of before,” said Blair Stevens, founder of Wok Box. “Wok Box was the pioneer of bringing Butter Chicken to the masses!”
Stevens was born and raised in Edmonton. He started as a franchisee out of high school when he and his dad purchased a sub sandwich franchise. A few years later, Stevens and two friends were inspired to bring Wok Box to life.
Twenty years after day one, Wok Box now has 68 stores from Vancouver all the way to Goose Bay in Labrador and there’s more on the way, including expansion to the Northwest Territories in Whitehorse and Yellowknife!
But the tastes you love won’t be going anywhere.
“The secret to our 20 years of success is in the box,” Stevens said. “We’ve always believed in bold flavours, fresh ingredients, and strong relationships with our franchise partners.
“Don’t forget where your roots are. You’re only as good as your food and the people on the ground who serve it every day.”
From Edmonton to tables across Canada, Wok Box shows how great food, fresh ideas, and strong community roots can go a long way.