Some things are just meant to be.
This year, National French Fry Day lands on Friday, July 10th, giving us the ultimate FRYday celebration. Whether you're a fan of classic shoestring fries, crispy crinkle cuts, waffle fries, curly fries, or loaded creations piled high with toppings, today is the perfect excuse to celebrate one of the most beloved foods on the planet.
But have you ever wondered where French fries actually came from?
Let's dig in!
Despite the name, many historians believe French fries didn't actually originate in France.
The leading theory points to Belgium, where villagers were frying small fish as early as the late 1600s. During harsh winters when rivers froze over, they sliced potatoes into fish-shaped strips and fried those instead. The crispy potato quickly became a local favorite.
So how did they become "French" fries?
One popular explanation is that American soldiers stationed in Belgium during World War I were introduced to the delicious fried potatoes. Since French was the primary language spoken by many Belgian soldiers, the Americans nicknamed them "French fries," and the name stuck.
Of course, France has its own claims to fry fame, so the debate continues to this day.
One thing everyone can agree on?
They're absolutely delicious.
French fries have come a long way from simple potato strips.
Today, menus feature endless variations, including:
Whether served as a side dish, appetizer, or even the main event, fries continue to evolve with new flavors and toppings that keep guests coming back for more.
French fries aren't just popular...they're one of the most profitable menu items in foodservice.
They pair with nearly every meal, satisfy guests of all ages, and are easy to customize with sauces, seasonings, proteins, cheeses, and specialty toppings.
For operators, fries offer:
From restaurants and bars to convenience stores, breweries, golf facilities, entertainment venues, and food halls, fries remain a menu staple that rarely disappoints.
Looking for an easy promotion?
Try offering one of these limited-time specials:
A simple promotion centered around fries can generate excitement, encourage repeat visits, and increase average ticket size.
No matter what type of fries your menu features, consistency matters.
That's where AutoFry® comes in.
AutoFry's fully enclosed, ventless design allows operators to serve perfectly cooked French fries with the push of a button, no hood system required. Its automated cooking process delivers consistent results from batch to batch while helping improve kitchen safety and allowing staff to focus on serving guests instead of standing over an open fryer.
Whether you're adding fries to a new menu, expanding an existing foodservice program, or looking to increase efficiency during busy rushes, AutoFry makes it easy to serve one of America's favorite comfort foods with confidence.
So this National French Fry Day, especially one that falls on an actual FRYday, grab a basket, try a new topping, and celebrate the crispy, golden side dish that's been winning hearts (and appetites) for centuries.
Happy National French Fry Day from all of us at MTI!