Wahoo’s Fish Taco, a community mainstay and worldwide pop culture phenomenon since 1988, kicked off its 20 year milestone this Sunday, Feb. 22 with a celebration at the original restaurant in Costa Mesa, California. Several thousand fish taco fanatics rushed the doors to enjoy $0.20 tacos and raffle prizes from some of the top action sports companies. Hosted by Wahoo’s founders, Wing Lam, Ed Lee, and Mingo Lee, the event also included special guest celeb skater, Ryan Sheckler.
“We are overwhelmed by the enormous turnout,” says Wing Lam, co-founder of Wahoo’s. “When we started Wahoo’s, it was all about bringing our love of surf and food together to create something unique we could share with our family and friends. We had no idea we’d still be around 20 years later, with more than 50 locations.”
To celebrate the big 2-0, Wahoo’s founders served up an amazing party. Sheckler’s visit was just one of the highlights. The first 200 guests also won gifts including skateboards, shoes, watches, and sunglasses from several top action sports companies, including Etnies, Famous Stars and Straps, Matix, Bear Mountain, Signal Snowboards, Beach Works, Vestal, and Jada Toys. Other prizes also included gift cards and merchandise courtesy of Wahoo’s.
In addition, Costa Mesa Mayor Allan R. Mansoor joined founders Wing Lam, Ed Lee, and Mingo Lee for an official ribbon-cutting at the Costa Mesa restaurant.
During the past two decades, Wahoo’s has perfected its eclectic Mexican/Brazilian/Asian menu delivered with a Hawaiian North Shore vibe. Its signature fish taco, which hasn’t changed since day one, has become a favorite among the restaurant’s loyal customers and a catalyst for the chain’s continued expansion. There are currently franchise locations throughout California, Colorado, Texas, and Hawaii.