The man who serves fish tacos also serves as a humanitarian helping people in need

Wing Lam, co-founder of Wahoo's Fish Taco, rides the waves while giving to others
by Sarah Wolfson

The famous Wahoo’s Fish Taco truck—camouflaged in stickers—stood out from the white tents at the Vans US Open of Surfing, Huntington Beach, CA. But it’s proprietor, Wing Lam, was right at home, casually dressed in flip flops and sporting his signature, four-inch goatee. The laid-back Lam greeted and gifted free product and food to gleeful kids and teenagers.

Along with his two younger brothers, Ed Lee and Mingo Lee, Lam has been able to turn a small California dream into a growing franchise. The brothers opened the first Wahoo’s taco joint in a small strip mall in Costa Mesa, CA, in 1988, offering delectable, healthy and grilled—not battered—fish tacos, to surfers and beachgoers alike.

“Back in ’88, people only sold fish tacos as just another offering on their menu. It wasn’t their main staple. We made that our signature dish—and today, that’s what separates us from the rest of our competition,” Lam said.

The other thing that sets Wahoo’s apart is a fusion of Brazilian and Mexican flavors—with a hint of Southern Californian spice.

“I am lucky enough to have been born in San Paulo, Brazil, by two parents who left China after WW11 and come to America in the mid-’70s,” Lam said.

Lam’s parents chose the coastal town of Costa Mesa, CA, to reside. His father, Cheong Lee, opened a Chinese restaurant, Shanghai Pine Garden, on Balboa Island in Newport Beach, CA.

“It was kinda crazy because back in the ’70s, there was not a lot of ethnicity in Orange County,” Lam said. “We were one of the only Chinese families in the whole town. It was a very interesting, eye-opening experience growing up in a predominately white neighborhood.” But then again, “Being different has its advantage because everybody remembers you,” he added.

Lam’s affinity for fish tacos began while he attended San Diego State University. “One of the cool things—as a right of passage—was taking road trips to Mexico,” Lam said.

“Even cooler, though, was eating fish tacos. That kind of gave us the idea to start Wahoo’s,” he said.

Lam also filled the niche of creating a space for surfers to hang out.

“It’s one of those things that people talked about—but having great ideas isn’t enough,” Lam said.

In addition to receiving a college degree—an opportunity his parents weren’t afforded—the brothers had the restaurant experience. “Those two components were a great combination,” Lam said. “Because we were the only ones in [our] group who actually had the skillset to run a restaurant, we took the plunge and got a little help from some surf companies. The rest is history.”

Today, there are 63 restaurants in seven states—and two internationally, in Japan.

From kitchen to charities

Lam was appreciative of his educators. “A big part of how we became who we are is because of our teachers and coaches,” he said.

Lam initially made donations to his high school water polo swimming program—due, in part, to his former water polo coach, John Carpenter.

Wahoo’s profits later funded local volleyball and baseball teams. “After that, our customers started asking for donations for specific causes,” Lam said.

“The well-connected charities brought out ‘bigger named’ spokespeople,” he said. That, combined with a sincere inclination to make a difference in people’s lives, afforded him the opportunity to work with Hall of Fame ballplayer Rod Carew and a slew of other high-profile individuals and industry makers.

“Together, using their notoriety and our brand, we were able to establish more awareness and [generate] more money for charities,” Lam proudly said.

Lam lends his support to nonprofit organizations, including the American Red Cross where he recently gave away 40,000 meals to donors. He has continued to stay committed by participating in fundraisers for cystic fibrosis and Lou Gehrig’s disease.

“If you name an acronym, we are probably doing something with them,” Lam said.

Lam’s indisputable acts of kindness do not stop there: He is active in the Surfrider Foundation and the Asian American Journalists Association, and a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization, a global leadership organization composed of young chief executives.

Lam’s advice for people with an entrepreneurial spirit: Stay grounded, be personable and give back to others.

“The more different you are, the greater chances of success,” Lam said.