When Wahoo’s Fish Taco co-founder Ed Lee opened his first restaurant in 1988 with brothers Mingo and Wing Lam, he never expected it to revolutionize fast-casual dining. Growing up in Orange County, the brothers spent weekends surfing in Ensenada and eating cheap street tacos. Combining their Brazilian heritage with SoCal surf culture, they introduced grilled fish tacos and black beans to local diners. Today, Wahoo’s operates more than 40 locations across five states and Tokyo, including popular outposts at Fashion Island® and Irvine Spectrum Center®.
FROM SURF TRIPS TO 40 YEARS OF FLAVOR
If you ask co-founder Ed Lee, Wahoo’s Fish Taco started as a silly dream. In 1988, Lee and his brothers Mingo and Wing Lam had no idea that their business venture would survive nearly 40 years. The brothers also couldn’t predict that they’d help revolutionize healthy fast-casual dining in America.
As boys, Wing and Ed always loved surf and skate culture. They weren’t talented enough to go pro, but the brothers enjoyed everything about the lifestyle. “Surfing trips to Ensenada where we’d fill our bellies for $5,” recalled Ed Lee, co-founder of Wahoo’s Fish Taco at Fashion Island and Irvine Spectrum Center.
At the time, few places in Orange County served grilled seafood burritos and tacos this way, so the brothers took a chance. Their mother had hoped they’d pursue higher education. Wing was working in aerospace and Mingo had been accepted to a top-tier law school. But, when he finished college, Lee convinced them to follow another path.
Wahoo’s Fish Taco was born.
Lee credits his youngest brother Mingo for taking the business into the big time. “He’s the brother with all the brains,” said Lee. But each sibling has his strengths. After nearly four decades, Wahoo’s is still in business. It’s expanded to over 40 locations across five states and a stand in Tokyo, Japan. But the family is also extremely devoted to the community.
“We donate a lot and people realize we’re authentic,” said Lee.
Before Wahoo’s 40th anniversary kicks off next year, we asked the co-founder about Wahoo’s most popular dishes. He also revealed big plans for the future. Catch his answers below.
What are the top four most popular dishes?
Fish Tacos
“Everybody wonders, what is the secret to the fish taco? It’s just salt and pepper. I can’t cook very well,” said Ed Lee. “So the recipes are all simple. The salsa and teriyaki recipe came from a friend. We played with them and made them our own.”
Maui Bowl
“To this day, the Maui Bowl remains one of the most popular dishes on the menu. It’s our number one seller when it comes to the bowls. It was one of the first things on the menu and still to this day, it’s a bestseller, which is kind of funny.”
Number 1 Combo
“Our Number 1 Combo with a taco or an enchilada is still the top seller.” It’s served with rice and beans, and garnished with salsa.
Number 2 Combo
“The second most popular is the Number 2 Combo with your choice of two tacos or enchiladas.” Or you can try one of each and pick between fish or chicken. It also comes with rice and beans, and salsa.
What’s something most people don’t know about Wahoo’s early days?
“Wing did a lot of creative stuff. Our first location used to be a pizza parlor. So we traded the pizza ovens for the grill top. Then Wing used the pizza screens to grill the fish.”
What’s your connection to skater and surf culture?
“I had worked in the surfing industry for 10 years. My old bosses were coming into Wahoo’s, and Wing is the man. They loved the guy!”
(Former VP of Sales at Hurley, Mike Lesher hired the brothers to cater an event. Then Wahoo’s Fish Taco started popping up at the X Games and Warped Tour.)
“Wing, that guy can cultivate relationships. Whether it was Tony Hawk or Shaun White, Wing was literally one of the first people to be in the mountains snowboarding.”
Why was Wahoo’s one of the first OC fast-casual restaurants to serve black beans?
“It’s because we were born in Brazil! We grew up eating them. I like to say that we were the ones that introduced black beans to the market. Only the Cuban restaurants back in the days were serving them. Now everybody has black beans.”
Any plans for your Fashion Island location?
“Wahoo’s at Fashion Island is part of the Atrium food court. But it has a bigger bar. We’ll revamp that starting next year. We’re going to do a whole promotion around tacos and beers too. Next year, we will be turning 40 years old!”
FUN FACTS
What keeps Wahoo’s food relevant after nearly 40 years?
“If you ask Wing, he would like to take credit that he built the health industry. But we fell into that. Plus, our food is reasonably priced. It’s still pretty healthy to eat at Wahoo’s overall.
The reason why Wahoo’s survived all of these years is that we’re still involved within the Orange County community. Every Friday, Wing donates burritos.”
*This interview was edited for clarity and brevity.
MANAAO THAI COMFORT FOOD
Fashion Island
401 Newport Center Dr. #A101, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Irvine Spectrum Center
715 Spectrum Center Dr., Irvine, CA 92618
