Success story Edo Japan eyes further expansion
Edo Japan began as a venture to help the late Rev. Susumu Ikuta establish the Calgary Buddhist Temple after moving to the city in 1972.
He initially launched a small Japanese restaurant across from The Bay parkade downtown and then opened the first Edo Japan in a kiosk at Southcentre Mall in 1979.
Over the years, hard work and a commitment to good food led to the growth of the Edo chain.
Through the ownership of Tom Donaldson, and more recently the leadership of president and CEO David Minnett, Edo Japan grew to 115 locations across Western Canada, largely within Alberta, including 26 stores in Calgary. Donaldson joined Rev. Ikuta in 1999 as president and CEO of the company, after a successful career with other food companies, including Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and Moxie’s. He purchased Edo in 2006.
Donaldson built up strong relationships with franchisees, transforming the Edo concept into a fast casual-dining option that offered customers traditional Teppan-style meals.
When he handed over operations to Minnett, whose background in the food industry began in Ontario, the company had grown in both shopping malls and free-standing locations.
Minnett, a Hamilton native, worked for Molson Brewery during the four summers he studied at McMaster University.
He then spent 11 years in sales and marketing for the company, with three years as vice-president of marketing.
He enjoyed a brief sojourn with the same title at Rogers Wireless, but returned to the food industry with Mars Canada and then spent seven years with Cara Operations, where he was president of Swiss Chalet, Harvey’s and Kelseys.
His move west was the result of becoming president of Amica Mature Lifestyles, before the publicly traded company was acquired two years later by BayBridge Seniors Housing.
After meeting Donaldson and discovering how Edo was growing, Minnett was persuaded to join the company last year. Edo has a warehouse in Calgary and five corporate locations.
Its head office has a staff of 26 and a kitchen where new recipes are tested. One recent success was the introduction of Edo’s Noodlefull Bowl of veggies — thin ramen-style noodles, with a choice of chicken, beef or shrimp.
Donaldson, who serves as chairman of the board, says Edo’s food — hot, bright, crunchy and fresh — separates it from other fast-food options.
And, the action over the grills in the restaurants is pure theatre.
Minnett plans to open more locations in Alberta and B.C., with another four to join the 24 already operating in the Edmonton area.
A new store will open shortly in Victoria, with a seventh coming to Regina.
Future expansion plans include a concentrated effort to take Edo east to Ontario. The company’s success also bodes well for food banks across the country.
Over the last six years, fundraising initiatives — such as donating 25 cents from the sale of each spring roll sold — have raised $225,000 for the Calgary Food Bank.
Other local initiatives have resulted in more than $500,000 being given away since 2010.
NEWS AND NOTES
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