Our History

We are a blend of taste, culture and community. Our founder, Reverend Susumu Ikuta, came from Japan to Canada to share a life full of faith and community. He opened Edo Japan over 45 years ago as a means for both nourishing and providing for the community. This inclusive philosophy is at the core of our company of franchisees to this day.

Chop sticks
We celebrate a merger of tastes and cultures Rice bowl

Our Timeline

Welcome to Edo Japan

1979 - Welcome to Edo Japan

The first Edo Japan is opened in Calgary, Alberta by Reverend Susumu Ikuta, a Japanese Buddhist minister who came up with the idea of serving traditional Teppan-style meals with a signature teriyaki sauce.

We expand

1981 - We expand

Edo Japan reaches Edmonton with the opening of a restaurant at Heritage Mall.

We franchise

1986 - We franchise

Reverend Ikuta decides to share his successful business opportunity by franchising Edo Japan.

We grow

1999 - Tom Donaldson becomes CEO

Reverend Ikuta leaves the organization after being appointed Bishop of the Buddhist Churches of Canada. Tom Donaldson is hired as CEO, transforming Edo Japan from a “mom and pop” operation into a thriving franchise.

We hit the streets

2002 - We hit the streets

We launch our first street front restaurant to meet consumer demand by offering dine-in or takeout service in a contemporary and casual restaurant setting.

We offer sushi

2006 - We offer sushi

Edo Japan introduces a selection of sushi items at all mall locations.

We hit 100

2011 - We hit 100

We open our 100th restaurant at Namao Centre in Edmonton, Alberta.

We go bronze

2014 - We go bronze

Edo Japan wins bronze at the Canadian Franchise Association Awards of Excellence in Franchising.

We are simply better

2015 - We are simply better

Edo Japan is named a Canadian Franchise Association "Franchisees’ Choice" for the fifth consecutive year.

New leadership

2016 - Dave Minett becomes CEO

Tom Donaldson retires and Dave Minnett becomes the President and CEO.

Hello Manitoba

2018 - Hello Manitoba

We open our first restaurant in Manitoba, at CF Polo Park in Winnipeg.

We deliver

2018 - We deliver

We begin partnering with delivery services such as SkipTheDishes, DoorDash and UberEats to bring Edo straight to your doorstep.

We continue expanding

2019 - We continue expanding

We open two more locations in Manitoba, three in Ontario, nine in Alberta and one in British Columbia.

We add convenience

2019 - We add convenience

We launch My Edo App and online ordering to make pre-ordering and pick up that much easier. Plus, customers earn Edo Cash for every order over $15, and get the 6th meal free!

We reach franchise milestones

2020 - We reach franchise milestones

We celebrate 25 years as a member of the CFA Franchise Association and we're selected as a CFA Franchisees' Choice Designee for the 10th consecutive year.

Taste the talk (by the bottle)

2020 - Taste the talk (by the bottle)

We’re famous for our teriyaki sauce, and now we’ve bottled it – opening up endless possibilities for customers to enjoy adding our signature sauce to their favourite at home dishes.

New Bubble Teas

New Bubble Teas

Edo Japan launches our latest culinary offering: bubble teas! These delightful beverages offer a refreshing twist to accompany our much-loved Teriyaki meals!

Honour the Crave

Honour the Crave

Edo Japan unveiled its captivating new brand platform, centered around the sentiment of "Honour the Crave." This ethos encapsulates our commitment to satisfying not just craving, but a deep-seated desire for quality, authenticity, and culinary excellence.

2023 CFA Recognition

2023 CFA Recognition

Edo Japan proudly continues its commitment to franchise excellence within the Canadian Franchise Association (CFA). As a longstanding member, Edo Japan values the CFA's commitment to upholding industry standards and fostering growth opportunities for franchises across Canada.

2023 Conference

2023 Franchise Conference

In a celebration of tradition and innovation, Edo Japan's 2023 Franchise Conference brought together franchisees and business partners under one roof. Held in vibrant city of Las Vegas, the conference served as a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and fostering meaningful connections.

New Loyalty Program Edo Cash™

New Loyalty Program Edo Cash™

We launched a new loyalty program, Edo Cash™ that rewards you for ordering the Edo Meals you love! Scan your Edo Japan app in-store or order in the app to receive Edo Coins, which you can redeem for an Edo Cash!

45 Years & 200 Restaurants

45 Years of Business & 200 Restaurants

Celebrating 45 years of business excellence, Edo Japan marks a significant milestone with the opening of its 200th location in 2024. As Edo continues its rapid expansion into Eastern Canada, we look forward to continued growth, innovation, and honouring customers cravings for many years to come.

2024 CFA Milestone Recognitions

2011-2024 Franchisees' Choice - 14 consecutive years

Edo Japan is honored to be recognized as a Bronze winner of the 2024 Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) Award of Excellence in Franchising, as well as receiving the Multi-Year Streaks Award (14 consecutive years). Considered the pinnacle of franchise achievement in Canada, the CFA Awards of Excellence in Franchising are given annually to franchise systems that have demonstrated superior franchise relations, leadership, training, and communications.

Our Fresh Facts

Sushi platter

1

Our variety of sushi creations are all made fresh daily,

Sushi platter

2

We serve authentic cuisine grilled on a sizzling 450°F teppan grill.

Sushi platter

3

Our signature Teriyaki Sauce is made fresh daily from a time-honoured recipe.

Reverend Susumu Ikuta

4

The first Edo Japan opened in 1979 in Calgary, AB.

National flag of Japan

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Edo Japan is the ancient name of Tokyo, the capital of Japan.

Edo Japan - 45 Years of Business Excellence

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We will celebrate 200 locations and 45 years of business in 2024.

Rice meal

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Our best sellers of 45 years are the Teriyaki Chicken and Sukiyaki Beef.

Bento box

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We serve more than 11 million meals annually.

Bowl meals

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Edo Japan is a proud supporter of food banks across Canada.

Leave happy. Come back hungry
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Beef Chop Chop Bowl

Beef Chop Chop Bowl