Wok Box is expanding into the United States with the signing of its first franchise agreements in Arizona and Oregon.

The new Asian quick service stores will open in the first quarter of 2012.

The concept sets itself apart from other quick service chains by offering innovative, upscale, fresh, and healthy Asian dishes made from natural ingredients and inspired by flavors from countries such as Thailand, Mongolia, Korea, Malaysia, India, Japan, and Vietnam.

Customer favorites include Butter Chicken, Thai Curry, Miso Ramen, and Kung Pao.

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, BC, in order to bring a unique and exciting combination of Asian dishes to customers.

In Canada, Wok Box is the only Asian quick service restaurant whose menu includes several items that meet the nutrient criteria for the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s Health CheckTM program.

Wok Box has been tremendously successful in expanding the franchise across North America.

Founded in 2004 in Edmonton, Alberta, Wok Box recently opened its 65th store in Canada. Its operations center and head office are now located in Surrey, BC.

“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,” says Lawrence Eade, Wok Box CFO.

“This is just the beginning of what we’re expecting to be a rapid expansion into international markets,” says Eade.

“The US customer is demanding our product and we are going to deliver.”

Wok Box is one of North America’s fastest growing quick service restaurants, offering freshly cooked and healthy Asian cuisine over 60 stores.