A new restaurant in Guelph is providing a taste of the world.
Wok Box & Chubbs is open in the Edinburgh Market Place at 492 Edinburgh Rd. S., Unit B4.
The restaurant – which is a combination of Wok Box's asian cuisine and Chubbs' comfort food options – provides a bit of everything. From noodle and rice boxes, to hoagies, hot dogs, poutine, chicken wings, desserts like deep fried Oreos and more.
"It's quite challenging for me, because it's been like three years (to get this open)," said owner Nirav Patel. "I spent lots of time just searching the location."
It's in a long vacated part of the plaza, which used to house Toys R' Us.
The location, Patel notes, worked out great. It's in a high-visible area, and close to Stone Road Mall.
He said the restaurant also offers a direct view for customers to see food being cooked in a wok pan, complete with the fiery display.
"Some people were asking me, 'I want to see your kitchen,'" he said. "You can stand here and see my kitchen. People love it."
It's been a labour of love for Patel, who arrived in Canada from his native India in 2017.
After living in Saskatchewan for a couple years, and family members already living in Guelph, Patel made the move himself. From there, he began the search for a location to open the restaurant.
Wok Box & Chubbs began in Edmonton, and now has about 70 locations across the country.
It's a first for Guelph. If all goes well, Patel hopes to have many locations in the area. But he is taking a wait-and-see approach with the first.
"I have a three-year-old daughter," he said. "She's staying with my parents all the time, and she was missing me every day. But I want to do something for my family, and I want to expand my business."
It's open seven days a week, with later closing times on Friday and Saturday for those looking for the late night meal.
A grand opening celebration is being planned, with deals to go along with it, but no date has been set.
