Quality food combined with exceptional customer service is part of the recipe for Wahoo’s Fish Taco’s success, according to co-founders and brothers Wing Lam, Ed Lee, and Renato “Mingo” Lee, and long-time business partner, Steve Karfaridis. Wahoo’s, the popular and growing chain of healthy, fast-casual dining, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Today, the company also announced plans to open new restaurants in New Jersey, Las Vegas, and Ontario, California this year.

“We can attribute our 30 years of business to serving food we would cook for our own families and working with brands we love. The stickers and memorabilia in our stores are part of who we are as a company,” said Wing Lam, co-founder of Wahoo’s. “We follow the action, and that’s where we find our most dedicated fans.” Wahoo’s became more established thanks to ongoing partnerships with brands like Quicksilver, Billabong, Hurley and Vans. Celebrities like Chrissy Teigen, Olympian Shaun White, skater Ryan Sheckler, surfer Kelly Slater and musicians Travis Barker, Donavon Frankenreiter and more have showed their support for Wahoo’s over the years.

Wahoo’s kicked off the new year by receiving the 2018 Corporate Creativity and Innovation Leadership Award from the Child Creativity Lab and the 2018 IMPACT Award from the International Executive Council. Over the years, the company has been named one of the 500 Most Influential by the Orange County Business Journal, Best OC Brand by OC Weekly, the Golden Foodie Award and has countless awards for philanthropy and business achievements.

This year, Wahoo’s also will be on-site at the X-Games, the U.S. Open, and music festivals like the Doheny Blues, Bottlerock, and Coachella. Special 30th anniversary events will take place throughout the year, with a special milestone event in Orange County in November.

“Our family-centric model from day one is probably what we’re most proud of. The reality of growing a family business was that we needed to collaborate with the right partners and have a presence at events we’re passionate about,” said Ed Lee, co-founder of Wahoo’s.

Founded in 1988 in Costa Mesa, California, Wahoo’s has made a significant mark in the food, surf, sports, active lifestyle, and even the film industry. Wahoo’s has partnered with the movie Dirt, a movie about off-road racing starring Kevin Dillon, to be released this Spring. Wahoo’s will have exclusive promotions including tickets, private screenings, and red-carpet events for customers.

“We look forward to opening more Wahoo’s restaurants around the world,” said Renato “Mingo” Lee, chief executive officer and co-founder. “Our motto is: the harder you work, the luckier you get. Celebrating 30 years in the food industry and making waves in sports, film and music is a dream come true for us.”

About Wahoo’s Fish Taco

Founded by Chinese-Brazilian brothers Wing Lam, Ed Lee and Mingo Lee, Wahoo’s Fish Taco, a community mainstay and worldwide pop culture phenomenon, has been serving up its eclectic Mexican-Brazilian-Asian menu since 1988. Celebrated for its fresh food, pro-athlete and celebrity support and charity involvement, Wahoo’s is recognized across the country for its sticker-covered walls. Wahoo’s has 60 locations across the U.S. and Japan. Wahoo’s mission is to nourish their communities with food and experiences while participating in charitable initiatives focused on ending hunger, caring for the environment and educational opportunities for children. To learn more, visit wahoos.com.