BLACKFOOT — The Good Wok, a staple at the Eastern Idaho State Fair since the 1970s, is celebrating its 50th year serving fairgoers in Blackfoot.
The milestone marks a “momentous journey of growth and tradition,” the company said in a news release about the anniversary.
The Good Wok has come a long way since founder Jerry Hong started selling egg rolls out of a canvas tent for 75 cents each at the fair in 1973. Jerry said he stayed up all night for several nights that year cooking and hand rolling egg rolls to keep up with the demand and to avoid running out of the rolls during the fair.
Nearly two decades later, Jerry bought a food booth from a local church and installed woks. He started selling the teriyaki chicken bowl, which became a favorite at the fair, and then a few years later he added the hot and spicy bowl.
The Good Wok has been a true family run business since its inception, with Jerry turning the company over to his children, Tim, Kerry, Matt and Mindy in 2010.
Though Jerry still works the booth because he loves being at the fair with his children and grandchildren, he said. His children and all 18 of his grandchildren visit the fair every year to help him serve up delicious food.
Tim Hong, one of Jerry’s children, commented on how rare it is “in this world to find something that lasts 50 years.”
“We want to take the time this year to celebrate with all our customers who have supported us through the years,” Tim said.