Manchu Wok is a big name, operating 57 locations across Canada and 13 in the U.S. But in Sault Ste. Marie, the chain’s first-ever storefront location in Canada has a homey, welcoming atmosphere.
This is in large part due to the franchisees, Kelsey Breen and her brother-in-law Matt D’Ettorre. Both Matt and Kelsey grew up in the Soo, and Matt has a management background from Topper’s Pizza and other businesses. Together, they work as a team to keep their staff and customers feeling valued and comfortable.
“Matt’s been a great mentor to people. I couldn’t do it without him,” says Kelsey.
This Manchu Wok location is the first of the chain’s new concept. It’s not in a mall or plaza, offering a sit-down dining experience. The menu has been extended, moving beyond the mall-style design of serving from a steam table. There are wok boxes, which are rice or noodle dishes with one item on top (chicken, shrimp, vegetables). There are also combo options that are only available to order in-person.
The ordering experience at the Sault Ste. Marie location is more interactive than in a mall, due to customers being able to watch as cooks prepare their meal in woks. There’s a waterfall wall for safety (it cools down the area), which Kelsey says is also “relaxing and therapeutic” to watch.
Kelsey and Matt express an emphasis on freshness. There is no MSG added to the dishes, and food doesn’t sit in a steam table for hours. Everything is made fresh daily, including the sauces, and nothing is kept to be served the following day. Kelsey confesses to not being a lover of spicy food, so her personal favourite dishes are the lo mein noodles and the chicken and broccoli. A popular order from their customers is the General Tso fried rice.
Manchu Wok Sault Ste. Marie had their soft opening in December, and so far there has been no staff turnover. Kelsey and Matt’s management style is to be supportive and not fixate on mistakes. The pleasant atmosphere is something that their customers comment on frequently.
Kelsey can be found chatting with people in the restaurant, remembering customers’ names and helping their children learn how to use chopsticks. She was an educator for 10 years, switching careers in August 2023 and taking a leap of faith towards being a Manchu Wok franchisee.
“I took a risk and I’ve never been happier, building a home for myself at this restaurant. I like to make it a loving, family environment.”
Kelsey says that they had no idea what they were jumping in to, opening as the first sit-down Manchu Wok restaurant in the country. She credits Matt for his guidance and business sense, as well as their staff for their hard work and ideas.
“We feel so lucky to have them.”
A customer’s first order at Manchu Wok Sault Ste. Marie is 25% off. Delivery is available through Uber, Skip the Dishes, and DoorDash.
For more information, visit them online here.