A Chinese immigrant who brought a new taste of China to Charlottetown two years ago is about to fulfil his promise.
Neil Guo, who opened Mad Work, a popular casual fast dining restaurant that focuses on stir-fried Asian cuisine, is expanding.
Mad Wok is currently located in about 1,500 square feet of space on lower Queen Street, near the Water Street intersection.
While there were hundreds of Mad Wok restaurants in China, the Charlottetown location was the first to open in Canada.
Now, Guo and Tina Tang are getting ready to open a second location in Charlottetown at the Belvedere Plaza, next to Indigo and the Bulk Barn.
Guo told The Guardian back in 2016 they were focusing more than just Szechwan cuisine. They were trying to make authentic Chinese food.
Related: Mad Wok opens first restaurant outside China in Charlottetown
Guo studied environmental science in London, Ont., before moving to Montreal.
“We must be concerned about our (food) boxes,’’ Guo said. “They must be decomposable. And, our sauce, there are no artificial flavours, no MSG and everything is gluten free. That is very connected to the environment.”
Guo said they hope to have the new location open sometime in November but are not in a rush. He’s hoping to capitalize on the gym market with the adjacent Goodlife Fitness and the university crowd with UPEI across the street.
“It will be a good benefit for students there,’’ Guo said.
There will be more specialized dishes downtown at the Queen Street location and more noodle choices at Belvedere Plaza.
Guo and Tang are also looking for any interested partners in their venture.
