The Edmonton-founded Wok Box franchise is expanding into the United States with the signing of its first franchise agreements in Arizona and Oregon. Its new Asian quick-service stores will open in the first quarter of 2012.
Together with corporate chef Don Letendre the team at Wok Box continues to develop its seasonal menu at the company's test kitchen in Surrey, B.C., in order to bring combinations of Asian dishes to customers.
In Canada, Wok Box is the only Asian quick-service restaurant whose menu includes items that meet the nutrient criteria for the Heart and Stroke Foundation's Health Check program, Letendre said.
Wok Box has been tremendously successful in expanding the franchise across the country. Founded in 2004, Wok Box recently opened its 65th store in Canada. Its operations centre and head office are now located in Surrey.
"The strong track record we've established in Canada has given us the catalyst we needed to start opening stores in select U.S. markets," said Lawrence Eade, Wok Box CFO. "This is just the beginning of what we're expecting to be a rapid expansion into international markets."
Under a franchise recruitment program developed with Franchise Development Northwest, Wok Box is scheduled to open locations in Oregon, Washington state, Texas and Colorado, with other outlets planned.
The cost for a Wok Box franchise requires a total investment of from $350,000 to $425,000, including an initial franchise fee of $25,000. There is a 6 per cent royalty fee and a 3 per cent advertising fee.
from Western Investor February 2012
