Restaurant Whisperer | Entrepreneur | Author | Mentor | Philanthropist
Chef Ed Lee, often called the “Restaurant Whisperer,” is a dynamic entrepreneur, philanthropist, and co-founder of Wahoo’s Fish Taco—a fast-casual restaurant brand that has become an iconic symbol in California and beyond. With over 40 years of experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry, Ed, along with his brothers Wing and Mingo, took the bold flavors of their multicultural upbringing and turned them into a culinary experience that blends Chinese, Brazilian, and Baja influences. The first Wahoo’s opened in 1988 in Costa Mesa, right in the heart of the surf and skate scene, and since then, it has become a pop culture mainstay.
Ed’s journey didn’t stop at Wahoo’s. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found a variety of ventures, including Our House Coffee Shop and Night Club, Schroff Clothing, Kitsch Bar, Rooster Cafe, Tackle Box, Toast Kitchen & Bakery, Fill Bakeshop, and Tableau Kitchen & Bar. As if that weren’t enough, Ed also launched Seven Hour Drive, a company that developed a patented water-saving device for restaurants—a game-changer in the commercial kitchen space.
Beyond his business acumen, Ed has a passion for mentoring the next generation of restaurateurs. His wisdom has earned him the title of "The Restaurant Whisperer" by the OC Register. He’s a sought-after speaker at top universities such as USC, UCI, CSUF, and his alma mater, Vanguard University, where he earned a degree in business. His commitment to giving back is also reflected in his work with Vocational Visions, which helps disabled adults find employment, and his role on UCI’s Antrepreneur Board.
Ed’s impact in the community has been widely recognized. In 2018, he was named one of OC’s Most Influential, and in 2022, he was crowned Restaurateur of the Year by the OC Business Journal. His accolades don’t stop there—he was nominated as Entrepreneur of the Year in both 2022 and 2023, received the Pioneer of the Year award from the Asian Business Association, and was honored on National Philanthropy Day in 2023 for his work with the Wahoo’s Family Foundation. The following year, Wahoo’s earned a nomination for the CSUF Family Business Hall of Fame Awards as an Outstanding Family Business Catalyst.
Despite all his professional achievements, Ed’s personal journey has been marked by deep tragedy. In 2022, he co-authored After: Learning How to Live After the Death of a Child, a poignant retelling of his son’s passing and his struggle to navigate life after such an immense loss. Ed’s openness in sharing his grief has inspired countless others. In 2023, he was nominated for a Community Service Award by the Mental Health Association for his dedication to speaking engagements that provide comfort to others dealing with loss and grief.
When he’s not revolutionizing the restaurant industry or making waves in philanthropy, you might find Ed catching waves in his downtime—surfing remains a lifelong passion. Whether he's leading in business or guiding others through their toughest times, Ed Lee’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and heart.
Social Media Handles:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefedwardlee/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edleewahoos/
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